<p>I was reading the course catalog, and it said if you don't perform very well in your math classes in the first two years, you shouldn't even consider focusing/majoring in math. Are the professors in the math department really this discouraging? I plan on majoring in physics, but I would like to take some of the math classes beyond core, such as Ma 5, 108, and 109. Am I going to be absolutely killed, or do I have a chance with these classes? (I'm certainly not a math genius)</p>
<p>Well, the rationale is, if you couldn't perform well in Math 1 and 2, how on earth are you going to do well in 5, 108, and 109, which are all much harder classes, and taken with math majors. </p>
<p>You could take those courses pass/fail though, which is what I recommend you try. You will still be extremely challenged, I can promise you that. Math majors and math courses beyond 2 scare me.</p>
<p>How does 105 compare, in difficulty, to the above? Is it unheard of for non-math majors to take 5, 105, 108, 109, etc?</p>
<p>105? On Ascit's website, it says only two undergrads have ever taken it. So, it's apparently unheard of for even math majors to take it... This probably means the course is all grad students. </p>
<p>ACM majors (applied math) have to take 108 or 5, but I don't really think many non-math majors take those classes, because they're very hard. 108ab isn't curved at all ... ouch.</p>
<p>To be honest, if you're not a math genius, you probably will be killed by these classes. Granted, I'm not a math major, and I don't know very many math majors, so take all my words with a heavy grain of salt. I can you tell that the physics majors I know have no intention of ever taking those math courses.</p>
<p>After a year here, I think you'll be able to judge for yourself whether you'll be able to handle these classes.</p>
<p>105 has not been offered in quite a few years, and will be offered this year because Prof. Rains, who only came to Caltech last year, decided to teach it after a certain undergrad expressed interest in it. It may or may not be offered again in the near future so...if you're at Caltech and are interested in elliptic curves, you should take this class this year, whether you are a grad student, freshman, fetus, or nematode.
As for Ma 5/108/109-- many people who don't consider themselves geniuses coming out of high school do quite well in them, and the inverse. I know quite a few successful math majors who did not get A's in Ma 1 or 2. Some people are just good at different things...
You might try the first few weeks of math 5 (or 108) frosh year to see if thats your thing, or just read a textbook on Abstract Algebra before school starts.</p>
<p>There are certainly at least a few Physics majors who elect to take classes like 5, 108, and 109. Although I'm sure it is a challenge to do so, it can be done with enough willingness and efficiency in completing the work. </p>
<p>However, I would strongly advise not overloading yourself with classes. Too many people at Caltech try to fit more than they can handle into their schedule. The result most often is a)They don't get as much out of classes and b)Their GPA is adversely affected. (Not that GPA should dictate which classes you take, but at the same time its wise to be practical.)</p>
<p>My opinion is that one is better off taking a moderate class load and excelling in those carefully chosen classes.</p>