<p>I have just got in Stanford and want to study engineering. I have looked through the course book for a while. For engineering, I think I can choose Math for engineering(cme or something), math 5.. series, and math 5..honor couses. What're the differences and advantages in taking these 3 different kinds of courses.
thank you.</p>
<p>go to math.stanford.edu and see if you can find out there. my comp's adobe pdf reader is messed up so i couldn't open the course descriptions. you could also call their office.</p>
<p>I believe the 5 series is multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. I think the main difference between the regular 5 series and the honors series is that the honors series has more theoretical stuff. I don't know anything about CME.</p>
<p>I'm probably going to study electrical engineering, and I plan to take the honors series.</p>
<p>The regular 50 series is somewhat dull and not terribly difficult for most students I knew who took it who were also physics majors. By the end of the year you'll be able to solve intergrals and solve differential equations. Although we don't do a lot of applied stuff in the class, you'll be very comfortable with the mathematical tools. There isn't really a lot of theoretical background. The honors series is VERY different from the regular series. Most people on the honors track are math majors. It is centered around proofs. At the end of the year you may or may not know how to actually take integrals or solve a differential equation. It is much more difficult than the normal 50 series. Just because you meet the requirements to take it (I think a 5 on the BC Calc test) does not mean that you actually should take it. If you love proofs or really want to learn how to do proofs, then it might be the right class for you. CME is a lot of work. There is a lot more application than in the normal 50 series and a lot of work on matlab. Some students said there was as much as 20 hours of work/week for CME. CME really caters to students who want to be engineers. Most people do very well in the class.</p>
<p>Ok I have a question: Are we supposed to arrive to Stanford with all this in mind? I mean should I research and try to figure out which courses to take?? I was just assuming I'd discuss it with my counselor after I get there and that I won't really need to worry about it till then.</p>
<p>You will meet with an advisor when you get to campus so you could talk to him/her about it. You could also ask your RAs or peer mentor or ask if they had friends who took the classes you want to take (that will probably work better with 50 series math than, say, IHUM). You could also shop both classes for the first week or two and see which one fits your interest and ability. You don't have to think about any of this yet, but it doesn't hurt to have a sense what you want to take when you get to campus. </p>
<p>Just fyi, I have some friends who felt like they were placed in the wrong math course by their advisors. I don't think I've heard that problem for any other department interestingly enough. It might be worth it to try to gather info on whatever math courses you are considering if nothing else.</p>
<p>Here's what it says in the handbook for undergraduate engineering programs:
[QUOTE]
MATH 51, 52, and 53 are taken by students who enter Stanford with 10 units of AP
credit, or have completed either Math 42 or Math 21. They cover differential and
integral calculus in several variables, linear algebra, and ordinary differential
equations. These courses are taught in an integrated fashion, with differential
calculus of several variables and linear algebra being taught in MATH 51, integral
calculus with linear algebra in MATH 52, and differential equations, including
matrix methods for solving systems, in MATH 53. Students who are unsure of their
mathematics preparation should consult with an advisor in the mathematics
department before registering for this sequence.
MATH 51H, 52H, and 53H cover the same material as in 51, 52, and 53, but with
more emphasis on theory and rigor. These courses are designed for students who
have a strong interest in majoring in mathematics with an inclination toward pure
mathematics.
CME 100, 102, and 104 or 106 cover material that is similar to that in the MATH 51-
52-53 series, but do so in a different order and with a more explicit engineering
focus. These courses are cross-listed as ENGR 154 and ENGR 155A, 155B, and
155C, although students will enroll in the CME course numbers. The Computational
and Mathematical Engineering (CME) courses were developed for undergraduates
interested in Engineering. CME 100 presents multivariable calculus with engineering
applications. It also introduces MATLAB, a computer program that integrates
mathematical computing and visualization, providing a deeper, more visual
understanding of the basic principles of multivariable calculus. CME 100 can replace
MATH 51 in an engineering undergraduates course requirements. Students can
continue on with the CME 102-104/106 sequence, which covers the rest of the
introductory mathematics curriculum with an emphasis on engineering applications.
CME 102-104/106 require either MATH 51 or CME 100 as a prerequisite.
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>for those of you NOT worrying about all this yet...you're not the only one i guarantee you. i didn't know what the hell i was taking until the week i was shopping classes. </p>
<p>and as far as advisors go...mine was worthless as crap on a stick. hopefully it doesn't happen to you.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your advices.</p>