<p>Hi. I'm an incoming freshman and I'll be taking Math 54 and finishing the sequence 1A-1B-53-54 by the spring semester. I want to take upper division mathematics, like Partial Differential Equations, etc. My question is: Does one have to take the 104 series (i.e. the "analysis" of math) in order to pursue higher courses? My main objective is trying to take upper division math courses, like 121 and 126, and possibly graduate math courses during the course of my collegiate studies, but are analysis courses fundamental to higher math? Again, I'd like to reiterate the higher math I'm interested in are the courses dealing with complex differential equations, Fourier series, stuff like that. But if someone really recommends that I take 104, then I'll give it strong thought for spring semester. </p>
<p>Thanks. Golly, I hope my question makes some sense.</p>
<p>Analysis would be important for your route of study, yes. 104 is certainly going to be necessary for anything involving differential equations. You should, however, be very comfortable reading and writing mathematics first. Typically undergraduates taking 104 have seen much more in terms of proof-based mathematics than someone taking 110, upper division linear algebra. My opinion is that 1A-54 don’t prepare you very well for proof-based math, unless you end up with a professor who does emphasize proofs. For instance, dill_scout around these parts took 1A with Olsson, who apparently emphasized proofs more. You may want to ask her via private message or something about her experiences. </p>
<p>But my point is usually people have had experience communicating math via Math 55, and 110, before they take 104. Whether this concerns you or not is another story, but it should if you haven’t spent significant time reading and communicating math on your own time. If you’re comfortable, then I think 104 is fine.</p>
<p>Thank you for answering my question and for offering your feedback, mathboy98. (Actually, I was hoping that you would see my post and give me your insight :D).</p>
<p>I’ll strongly consider taking 104 after 54 with the reason being that I feel prepared enough in terms of communicating with math. When I took a course equivalent to 1A at a community college, the professor emphasized proofs, i.e. the delta-epsilon and derivative proofs. In IB Math HL we also had to communicate with math in our portfolios where we had to make up our own conjectures and prove them for all real numbers. Second semester should be fun =P Thanks again!</p>