Should I take courses regardless of my requirements?

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

<p>I'm a CS major and Calc I and Calc II are both supportive requirements for my major. I was forced into buying a huge 3-semester version textbook, meaning that the textbook covers the entire calculus sequel, if not, even more, such as vector calculus and differential equations. Considering my future course plans are correct, I'd have 8 units left in my last semester of college, meaning that I could either take 2 more electives for my major, which by the way, none of them look appealing/interesting, or, I could take Calc III and a course that follows. Would anyone recommend doing this at all? How useful is Calc III? </p>

<p>Apart from Calc III, these are the two courses I'd be able to take:</p>

<p>"Advanced Engineering Math", which includes ordinary and partial differential equations, Laplace transforms, Fourier series and transforms, and various theorems in vector analysis. (Prerequisite: Calculus III)</p>

<p>or</p>

<p>"Topics in Applied Mathematics"
Develops basis and techniques for algorithmic solutions for applied problems in graph theory, operations research, dynamical systems, and game theory. Includes NP-complete problems, cryptography, linear programming, chaos, fractals, and social decision-making theory. (Prerequisite: Calculus II)</p>

<p>Again, I'm asking whether taking math courses instead of electives within my CS major that don't look appealing at all is the right decision, how the courses above are applicable towards my major, and whether they'd be useful in the future, (of course, apart from benefiting me as an educated person).</p>

2

<p>For a CS major specifically, you would need:

  • Calculus I
  • Calculus II
  • Linear Algebra
  • Discrete Mathematical Structures
  • Probability & Statistics for Engineers (for computer network courses)</p>

<p>Calculus III may not useful enough in CS but that “Topics in Applied Mathematics” would be because graph theory, operations research, NP-complete problems, cryptography and linear programming are all very applicable to CS.</p>

3

<p>Linear Algebra is not required at my institution, although I can see why it is at some. We have Probability, Statistical Theory and Statistics, all are separate courses. I might as well study the material on my own.</p>

4

<p>Out of the courses you mention, “Topics in Applied Mathematics” appears to be more applicable to CS in general (NP completeness, cryptography, etc.), although the other courses may apply to specific applications.</p>

<p>If you wish to study economics at an advanced level (PhD program in economics), you probably want to take probability, statistics, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and real analysis. Probability and statistics are nice to know in any event.</p>