Mathematics/ Applied Science and Statistics

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
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<p>I really love these forums for how honest and open people are to helping each other. I am a long time lurker but have never registered. I have been doing a lot of research and really want to hear your guys advice.</p>

<p>Background info: Did 4 years at a CC, will be going in with 105 units. Originally started off doing psychology but switched to bio because I really got into the idea of Neuroscience. I got accepted into UCLA for Psychology because I was afraid to apply for Psychobiology/ Neuroscience without doing OChem or the 2nd semester of Physics. I was planning on doing those courses then trying to get into either major. I have done a year of Inorganic Chem/ Bio and Calculus. My total GPA is 3.6 ish. </p>

<p>After doing a lot of research I became worried about what I would actually do with Psychobiology/ Neuroscience and decided to do some life research and find a major that would open more job opportunities that I would still enjoy. I am thinking about Mathematics/ Applied Science or Statistics. The reason for Mathematics/Applied Science is because out of the other sciences I have done I definitely like math the most and I could combine it with Bio. Stats is because out of the math I have done I found Stats more applyable to the job market and I enjoyed it more than Calculus. Here are my questions which I am hoping I can get some more definite answers on:</p>

<p>1) First and foremost, with a Psychology major is it EVEN possible to switch to Mathematics/Applied Science (Biology most likely) or Statistics? From what I have read statistics isn't to impacted but I have no idea about Mathematics/Applied Science as it’s a "create your own major." </p>

<p>2) Has anyone here done or know someone that has done the Mathematics/Applied Science major? If so can you please say how the process went? Like did you state which 7 upper division classes you were going to do for math and for the applied science during the consultation or do they just let you pick and do it on your own? Did you have to do all prerequisites for the applied science or just the ones to do upper division coursework of your choice?</p>

<p>3) Never have done a computer science class and with either math I would need to do 10a. How hard is it to a beginner? Any books/ programs/ online sites I should study from to help with the class?</p>

<p>4) Same question as number 3 but for upper division math, anyone have any good books/ programs etc that prepared them for upper division math proofs or upper division stats?
5) For any stats or math people, how are the exams? Do they follow what they assign for hw and class examples or do you truly have to read the book forward and backward to get a good grasp? I know it is dependent on teachers but there must be a more narrow answer.</p>

<p>6) From what I have read the stats classes overall are SLIGHTLY easier than doing math, any truth to this? </p>

<p>7) Which would have better job opportunities, bio-mathematics or statistics? </p>

<p>I have been doing so much reading and really want some more definite answers. Thanks in advance for any help :).</p>

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<p>(Some questions I can’t respond to accurately - answers are intentionally omitted)</p>

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<p>I think most math majors have a pretty easy time with PIC 10A. It goes at a fairly gentle pace, and it doesn’t get too bogged down with details - the main thing you need is the ability to understand logic. Of course if you haven’t programmed before, it will be very unfamiliar at first, but it’s not something to be afraid of.</p>

<p>The book, Big C++, is decent. There are tons of resources to learn online. [C++</a> Language Tutorial - C++ Documentation](<a href=“http://cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/]C++”>http://cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/) is what I have found to be most useful.</p>

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<p>There’s a book about proofs by Velleman that I’ve seen recommended a lot. I’ve never used it personally though. There’s another book called How to Solve It by Polya that covers problem solving (most of the skills required are the same as with proofs). There are also a lot of online resources, though I can’t name any off the top of my head. There are basically just a few techniques that you’ll need to be exposed to: direct proof, contradiction, contrapositive (basically the same as contradiction) and induction (which is the most complicated).</p>

<p>Upper division stats classes are pretty similar to what you get in lower division math classes.</p>

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<p>It really does basically just depend on the professor. Sometimes the exam problems are exactly like the hw, sometimes they’re totally different. Carefully reading the book is generally useful for math classes. Most stats classes here don’t use a textbook. For both types of classes you’ll want to do a decent number of practice problems.</p>

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<p>They’re definitely easier.</p>