<p>Suppose I decide to go into research in chemistry or o-chem or something like that. How much math would I need? I finished linear algebra and am taking abstract algebra, I'm hating it because it's so fking boring. I heard real analysis is more interesting, but harder. I'm wondering if it's really necessary for me to take all these theoretical math classes if I decide to go into research in science/engineering.</p>
<p>I’d say you only would really want up through diff eq, linear algebra, and statistics to cover all the bases you’d need with research. Some more specialized fields may require additional depth, but I don’t know many people that require real analysis or abstract algebra in order to figure stuff out in the lab.</p>
<p>I would skip the abstraction and theory and go straight for statistics. I know there are several classes offered at my state uni that are literally called “statistics and research applications” where you do scientific experiments and then do the statistics.</p>
<p>Stats are way more impressive for science research than theory. It’s way more useful.</p>
<p>If you already at the point of linear algebra and abstrack algebra you already way to far on what you really need. Like kitkatkatie said the world out there is rule by statistics this days. Take some courses on statistics, you will use them 24/7 in the industry.</p>