Does anyone have any insight on the Math & Physics Departments? We’ve heard mixed things. My daughter – who’s been accepted into UM as well as the Honors program – wants to major in physics and possibly also math.
Thanks!
What mix things? Both are widely known and respected. Depending on what she will do she should not have an issue getting a job.
My 2nd semester Sophomore kid is now taking her 4th math class. One each semester. The only thing that I hear that’s bad is that it’s very, very, very hard. Otherwise, it’s been collaborative and the teaching, by professors, not GSI’s, has been excellent. But she didn’t have to take any 100-level classes were taken.
Thank you! She took a summer math program at UM last summer. The professor was excellent. She asked the undergrad assistant about the physics department, and the student made a face but didn’t go into detail.
My daughter does love collaboration, so she’ll be happy to hear about that aspect.
The honors math program at UM is very highly regarded. UM is one of the very few public universities that offer true honors courses in the basic intro sequences. You can’t go wrong there if you have talent in math.
My son’s a junior in engineering. Math/ Physics are tough at Michigan. I wasn’t sure why you were asking. If she enjoyed her time on campus and instruction then she will be fine. They are known world wide for their Calculus program and their physics is really tough. If she likes to work hard but of course with others she will do fine. But just might be some long nights.
I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, but at least in the 200 and up math courses, females represent a very small amount of the students. In her current 400 level math course, there are 3 females in a class of 50-ish students.
I can’t speak for every Math class, but I believe most grades aren’t curved (80-85 is an A), so there’s little to no incentive be cutthroat. And you often work in groups for various projects.
Unfortunately, I have no info on Physics. Chem and Bio? Ask away!
Just be prepared for the unbelievable heavy amount of work and assignments being due at Midnights on Fridays and 2 hour tests being taken at night and not during class.
^^this ?.
My daughter is a physics major at MIchigan. The math is insanely hard (according to her), it is taught by GSIs, not real professors. She’s in her fourth math class now and is taking it pass/ fail. You need very strong math skills for MI physics. Some students take some of their Calc classes at community college just to get through them without tanking their GPAs.
Only the lower-level Math Classes are taught by GSIs and not “full” instructors.