<p>Hi. Next semester I might be stuck with this schedule:
Partial Differential Equations
Introduction to Real Analysis
Calculus-based probability
Linear Algebra I.</p>
<p>All of these are 4000 level courses. It's only 16 credits/semester (I usually take 16-18/semester) but before they were 2000 and occasionally 3000 level courses.</p>
<p>This is not my first time taking upper-level math courses, so I know what to expect but I'm a bit daunted with having my schedule crammed with these difficult math courses.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice!</p>
<p>How much work have upper-level math courses been for you previously?</p>
<p>Math courses are not inherently high workload compared to courses with labs, term projects, etc. (that take a lot of time even if they are not very hard), but some find them intellectually difficult enough that they need to spend a lot of time on them.</p>
<p>Calc-based probability? Not difficult. Linear Algebra? Not difficult, even with proofs. Partial Differential Equations (which is essentially infinitely dimensional linear algebra)? I am taking that right now. It’s not too bad, but I don’t suggest waiting to do things at the last minute especially before a midterm like I have. I think it’s a class where you want to stay on top of things and not slack. </p>
<p>I am going to be taking Real Analysis I, Abstract Algebra I, Astrophysics, Math Methods for Physics, and Numerical Methods (plus jogging…) in one quarter. Just stay on top of things. Note: I do not have a job and am trying to graduate on time. Your situation could be different.</p>
<p>…so take them or don’t take them. you know your situation.</p>
<p>I think I’m going to have some semesters like that after I transfer from my CC. I’ll have basically my entire gened core completed, so almost all of my classes will pertain to my major (double major in math/physics). </p>
<p>Glad to hear I’m not alone. I’ve been kind of frightened at the prospect of taking multiple 400 level math and physics courses at the same time.</p>
<p>For me, the classes that are proof-based are much harder than the ones that are not. Intro to real analysis will definitely be proof-based, the other ones may not. My version of the probability class was not proof-based, linear algebra has both options, and I’m not sure about PDQ, have not taken that.</p>
<p>I don’t think you should have too much of an issue. It may be useful to study a bit beforehand, but other than that, you should be fine. PDE will be a bit challenging, but I’m assuming you’ve already taken ODE, so it shouldn’t be incredibly new concepts.</p>
<p>Linear Algebra I is generally an easier course, so I wouldn’t worry about that either. Analysis on the other hand can be quite challenging, so I would suggest reading up on that before you enter the class. Finally, Calculus-based probability shouldn’t be too difficult, although it may have some interesting/difficult concepts. I think the order of your classes from easiest to hardest will be: Linear Algebra, Calculus-based probability, PDE, and finally Analysis. Definitely a doable schedule if you manage your time well.</p>
<p>I have not taken 4 math classes in one semester but I have taken 3 math classes in one semester on two occasions. I have found that my workload was actually lighter with 3 math classes than a typical schedule with 1 math class. As the other poster said, the fact that it doesn’t have labs like other classes is a big time saver. I have taken Linear Algebra as well as Probability and I don’t think those are really going to be tough, at least compared to Partial Differential Equations and Real Analysis, though it is preference. Real Analysis is very proof intense and can give some people problems. The problem with taking four math classes at once is that going to office hours will be tougher since there is likely going to be conflict among office hours. I never go to office hours anyway so 3 math classes has never been a problem and I plan on taking more than 3 math at once in the future when I get my remaining core classes done. The decision is yours but the schedule is do-able without a doubt.</p>
<p>I haven’t done 4 math in a semester but i have done 3 CS and 2 math in one. All I can tell you is that it was hell. Linear Algebra and Probability should be easy compared to Real Analysis.</p>