<p>Seeking advice from current/former math majors who have taken rigorous courses in Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra. I am going to be a transfer student at UCSD in the fall, and my tentative first quarter schedule includes Real Analysis I and Abstract Algebra I (plus a non-major course.) I have read/heard that taking these two introductory courses at the same time is a challenge, especially on the quarter system. </p>
<p>I will be taking a proofs class over the summer, so that upper division courses aren't such a shock to my system. I've been reading the book for the proofs class as well as other math texts to be prepared. Still, I'd like to be as cautious as possible since this will be a new environment. Any input or advice from people who have been down this road would be helpful. :)</p>
<p>I have read through all the threads I could find with similar questions, but none of them with this specific situation. So, thought I'd ask. Thank you!</p>
<p>It looks like UCSD has two versions of each:</p>
<p>Analysis: 140A-140B-140C versus 142A-142B and 120A
Algebra: 100A-100B-100C versus 103A-103B and 102</p>
<p>It appears that the 140 and 100 sequences are the “harder” ones, since they are recommended for students intending to go on the PhD study, according to <a href=“Mathematics”>http://www.ucsd.edu/catalog/curric/MATH-ug.html</a> .</p>
<p>Will you be taking the 140 and 100 sequences (the “harder” ones)? If so, you may want to start the 100 sequence in the fall; you have the option of starting the 140 sequence in either the fall or winter, according to <a href=“http://www.math.ucsd.edu/resources/planned-course-offerings/”>http://www.math.ucsd.edu/resources/planned-course-offerings/</a></p>
<p>I do plan on taking the more rigorous sequences, yes. I should have been more specific. I was looking at the course offerings as well. The problem with that alternate plan is that I would take 140B during spring 2015, and then probably have to wait until spring 2016 to take 140C. I do want to take graduate courses my senior year, and go to a PhD program by fall 2016. 140C includes “differentiation of functions of several real variables, the implicit and inverse function theorems, the Lebesgue integral, infinite-dimensional normed spaces.” I’ve heard enough about these topics that they seem like they’d be pretty fundamental to graduate study. While the full sequence is not required for my major, I’m wondering how much of a hindrance it would be to not have that course done until the end of my undergraduate career. Any thoughts? </p>
<p>You could sign up for 100A, 140A and three other courses, so that you can drop one and still have the desired course load. Then you can go to class for a few weeks. If 100A and 140A together is too hard, consider dropping 140A to take it later. Otherwise, drop one of the other courses.</p>
<p>For how important 140C is to graduate study, take a look at the graduate courses in the catalog to see which and how many list it as a prerequisite.</p>
<p>Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. None of the graduate courses require 140C as a prerequisite, only 140A-B so I guess that answers my question. I will probably take your advice and register for an extra class so that I can drop 140A if it’s too much at once. The alternative course would possibly be Applied Linear Algebra (102). Would that be less demanding in your opinion?</p>
<p>You may want to ask the department directly whether 102 is redundant with 100A-100B(-100C) before taking it, as there may be some overlap in the catalog descriptions.</p>
<p>120A may also be useful, if it is not redundant to 140A-140B(-140C). It looks from the catalog description that it probably is not. Ask the department directly.</p>
<p>The courses which do not have 109 (the proof techniques course) in their prerequisite sequences are presumably the less proof-intensive ones.</p>
<p><a href=“Mathematics”>http://www.ucsd.edu/catalog/courses/MATH.html</a></p>
<p>Thanks, ucbalumnus! This has been very helpful.</p>