<p>Hi,
I'm looking into a couple of engineering programs, esp. this one:</p>
<p>Computer</a> Engineering Undergraduate Program @ UMBC</p>
<p>I was wondering if I finish HS with Honors Pre-Calculus, how hard will it be for me to grasp the subject matter? I am especially concerned about Multi-Variable Calc. </p>
<p>Lastly, from what some CS majors have told me, Calc. itself is not necessary for a "normal" job in CS. Is this true?</p>
<p>Thanks in Advance.</p>
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<p>Why?</p>
<p>you’ll have no problems with the math, its not THAT hard.
Generally mathematics that you learn in school isnt directly applicable to software engineering jobs.</p>
<p>Aside from notions like “function” and “limit” and things like that, it’s been my experience that not much in CS deals with “calculus”, per se. Of course, when you know you’ll have to do statistics and probability for certain CS/SE things, and of course for a lot of applications, it’s a good thing to know.</p>
<p>I would say that Calculus shouldn’t be too large a problem for most CS majors. I didn’t “like” it because it was a cookbook sequence, but I didn’t find it difficult.</p>
<p>What will matter most is your mathematical reasoning ability, not your mathematics knowledge level. In my experience, this is how prepared SAT math scores (taken after one is a senior and has prepared some) predict ability to handle engineering mathematics: </p>
<p>750-800: No challenge outside of pure math classes. </p>
<p>700-750: Strong performance in the math used in engineering classes, great difficulty with pure mathematics. </p>
<p>650-700: Significant difficulty with math in engineering classes. </p>
<p>600-650: Great difficulty in mathematics used in engineering classes, hard but not impossible to overcome. </p>
<p>500-600: Able to solve mathematical problems used in engineering with great effort, and probably a low GPA. </p>
<p>Of course how well that fits you depends on what school you end up going to and how much you studied for the math SAT and the math classes you take at college.</p>
<p>You do use calc sometimes in theory of computation and algorithm analysis. It can also be used in distributed systems. You also use integration to form certain metrics in software. Probability, like continuous random variables and stuff are sometimes used. Though you will likely never use it in your career. Math in engineering is more about developing a good problem solving mind, then about learning the math. </p>
<p>I used to think I was awful in math, until I got away from pure algebra, and then it seemed I became good at math. Multi-Variable Calc is not hard, calc 2 is drastically harder. Multi variable calc was the easiest math class ive taken, bar none. So don’t be scarred of it. Do good on the first two tests, and you will be fine.</p>
<p>just a note I think I had a 510 on my SAT Math. I got through a engineering program at a pretty well known U. If I can, you can to.</p>
<p>Im a ECE major. I realize that in order to pass or know stuff in upper division courses , you absolutely need to know how to do integal, differential equation , linear algebra. And second half of multi variable in order to study some classes such as Electromagnetic Field, Digital Signal Processing.</p>
<p>@al6200</p>
<p>Your SAT to math difficulty challenge seems to be very flawed. The difference between a 720 and an 800 is basically 2 questions. The key to getting an 800 is meticulous test taking and understanding the wording well, not any advanced analytical mathematical reasoning. I am sure that at a top 50 engineering program, most students can understan any SAT question; it’s not a big deal. The AMC/AIME/USAMO is a much better measurement of mathematical intellect than the SAT.</p>
<p>Secondly, for computer science, you will not be using much calculus. CS is mostly discrete math, logic, and some induction, etc for theory/proofs. If you are interested in CS, University of Maryland @ College Park is much better than UMBC. To understand some algorithms, you will need to know linear algebra but higher order calculus is not of much use. Computer Engineering mostly requires what EE requires except with a larger focus on digital circuits and systems. Getting into the honors program at UMCP is not hard and the benefits are not too great; if you are good enough, you will have to work a bit harder but can get good research opportunities even without an honors program. </p>
<p>I am pretty sure that the SAT, while somewhat predictive of intelligence, is mostly training. If an above average student practices for a while, then getting a 720+ in any section is not hard. The SAT is a measure of test taking ability and some understanding/critical thinking, but does not involve any real problem solving.</p>
<p>I’ve never did great on the SAT MATH… the best I could do is/was ~650. I know that If I work hard enough, get as much help from instructors, and do a whole lot of practice, I could pass most of the Math courses required for CS or CE. </p>
<p>@letgo:
How is M.V. Calc. and Diff. Eq. related to Signal Processing and Circuits? I was under the impression those were more of ‘physics’ orientated classes.</p>
<p>@InidanPowerDude:
Yea, the UMD CS program is much better than that of UMBC’s. However, UMBC is noted for a greater variety of minors unrelated to one’s major. </p>
<p>What do you think about a minor in CS, along with such degrees as Bio. or Biochemistry?</p>
<p>I mean, I support the idea of minoring, in general.</p>
<p>Are you trying to get into bioinformatics?</p>
<p>The minor in CS is valuable but you should look at the research interests of the faculty as well as the courses availabile to you in both departments. Courses in genetics and molecular biology could integrate well with your CS background. I don’t know too many people who double major in CS and Bio (or a minor/major) but it seems like a solid idea. If there is a lot of interdisciplinary research that is accessible to undergrads, UMBC may be a good choice. </p>
<p>You should look at the research groups in the departments you will apply to and see the projects that are pursued by students/faculty. You will probably have more research options at UMCP.</p>
<p>Your SAT does not matter that much outside of admissions; many people with lower SAT scores than me outperform me in school. I learned by doing mediocrely in HS that hard work matters just as much or more than being able to understand the material quickly.</p>
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<p>In circuit courses, you need to solve equations of multi variables (for example currents & voltages as variables in an equation).</p>
<p>In signal processing, there are lots of differential equations. You need to be fluent with diff eqns in order to do well in signal processing. There are lots of 2nd + order diff eqns to solve in signal processing.</p>
<p>Before taking the cores, I thought ECE deals with a lot of Physics but It actually does not. My prof told me that what grade you got in your Differential Equation , Linear Algebra and Integral would be the grade you would get in the department.</p>
<p>Computer engineering don’t require math. Sure, you need to take Diff. Eq. Multi Var, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, but I was a CPE, which is different from EE. The only math you’ll every probably use is adding bits, and determining the number of damn gates you’re going to need to build a circuit. You need a little math to get through Circuits, Electronics, and Signals, but the professor will surely refresh you on the differential equations and integrals you need for those EE classes.</p>
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There are always exceptions, but I agree with al6200. Math SAT correlates with mathematical ability (and obviously intelligence). Sure, that data might be highly variable for a single person, but the entire cohort that scores within 750-800 is absolute smarter than the entire cohort who scores in the 700-750 range. And I agree with his rankings as well. The obvious problem is that at the higher edges of the spectrum you only compete with the best.</p>
<p>The AMC is useful for sorting out people who are at the top of the math SAT distribution, but in all likelyhood if a person is able to qualify for the AIME then they will be able to handle all of the math used by computer engineering students at the undergraduate level.</p>