math course sequence question

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

hi im a physics major (yes i know this is the math/compsci section) and after calc 2 I can take intro to linear algebra, discrete maths(not necessary for me to take, but I can get an associate in science in math if i take it), and calc 3 in any order i wish before taking differential equations. which order would be best?

i was considering taking intro to linear algebra and discrete maths the summer before taking calc 3, but im not familiar with the subject matter yet so i’m not sure if that’s a good plan. the reason i thought of doing it that way is because intro to linear algebra and discrete maths had 3 units each while calc 3 had 4. but again, im not sure what’s actually helpful in terms of course content overlap and what not. im not sure how wise it is to take intro to linear algebra and discrete maths in the summer, either, in terms of the length and speed of the course. i could always take 2 of the courses together in the fall after summer instead of 2 in the summer and 1 in the fall (but i wanted to take japanese (and a japanese speech class) in the fall along with electromagnetism and want to keep my course load to a minimum)

here are the catalog course descriptions:

Introduction to Linear Algebra This course serves as an introduction to the theory and applications of elementary linear algebra, and is the basis for most upper division courses in mathematics. The topics covered in this course include matrix algebra, Gaussian Elimination, systems of equations, determinants, Euclidean and general vector spaces, linear transformations, orthogonality and inner product spaces, bases of vector spaces, the Change of Basis Theorem, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, the rank and nullity of matrices and introduction to linear transformations.

Discrete Mathematics This course is an introduction to the theory of discrete mathematics and introduces elementary concepts in logic, set theory, and number theory. The topics covered include propositional and predicate logic, methods of proof, set theory, Boolean algebra, number theory, equivalence and order relations, and functions. This forms a basis for upper division courses in mathematics and computer science, and is intended for the transfer student planning to major in these disciplines.

Calculus with Analytic Geometry III This course includes the algebra and geometry of 2 and 3 dimensional Euclidean vectors, the algebra and calculus of multivariable functions including composition of functions, limits, continuity, partial differentiation, gradients, higher order derivatives, the chain rule, constrained and unconstrained optimization including Lagrange’s theorem, multiple integrals, integrals over paths and surfaces, and integral theorems of vector analysis. This course is intended as a general introduction to the theory and applications of multivariable calculus. This course is essential for most upper division courses in mathematics and forms part of the foundation for engineering and physics.

thanks for the help!

2

Discrete and Linear Algebra will be easier and independent in nature. IMO, I would take Calc 3 while you’re still fresh off Calc 2 so you don’t have added difficulty by trying to remember the rest of calc while learning the hardest of it. Then take the other two as desired.

3

@PengsPhils would taking calc 3 during the summer be good, material-wise? cramming all of calc 3 into about 8 weeks or so? i think ill do well, pace-wise, but im just concerned about how much cramming of the material will have to be done and whether or not professors cut out important topics.

4

If you can take calculus 3 (multivariable calculus) before the physics course with electricity and magnetism, that can be helpful in the physics course. Calculus 3 is often at least a corequisite (may be taken simultaneously) for the physics course with electricity and magnetism.

5

@ucbalumnus ah i see, thanks! out of discrete maths and intro to linear algebra, which would you recommend taking concurrently with calculus 3 (multivariable calc)? which would you recommend taking concurrently with electricity and magnetism?

6

Linear algebra and differential equations will likely be more useful immediately for physics. Discrete math typically has more applications in computer science and may include instruction in proof techniques to prepare for more advanced math courses like real analysis and abstract algebra.

7

From friending six physics undergrad majors (and all of them are super bright!)…
I would suggest taking Calculus III first.
After that, I feel that Diff Eq is a better option than Intro to Linear Algebra. (although both seem important for physics)
As for Discrete math…well, as ucbalumnus said, I think that it is more suited for computer science.

Personally (to the comment to Peng’s), I always thought Calculus III was the easiest of the three.
But then…I might be wrong cause I took a proof based honors Linear Algebra -.-
(and after self studying classes like Real Analysis I, I can say the proofs I did in that class were more rigorous than Apostol’s Analysis :frowning: )