which has the hardest course load for undergrad?

[Mr_Payne]

<p>

There are plenty of people who have gotten through science degrees that didn’t get it, and did well because they memorized formulas. Believe me, I’ve worked with plenty of computer science students who never got it. I once sat in on an interview with an NYU CS grad who couldn’t tell me the difference between sentinel, definite, indefinite and interactive loops. We both know that the first few years of a science major rely heavily on previously established axioms and theorems. A comparative literature major is going to start writing papers requiring their analysis of a subject before a math major will.

You seem to think relying on previously established axioms/theorems somehow indicates a lack of understanding? Not only that, you seem to think a lack of understanding in a topic by students means the topic is of the same level of difficulty - if anything it seems to indicate a higher level of difficulty. And I never said that people who don’t get it can’t get out of a program. My main point of contention was your misguided thought that the early portion of the program is rote memorization.</p>

<p>

Conjecture is something I’m well-versed in, and if you want it to devolve to that I’d be thrilled to race you to the bottom. I could point out how most engineers are utter failures in business and in their own personal lives and careers as a result of hubris,

Most engineers are failures in their careers by earning more than the average college graduate? Interesting definition of failure. </p>

<p>

how they are more responsible than any other group for logistical failures on massive scales because of their complete lack of leadership abilities and social ineptitude,

And yet, technical minded people like themselves are the primary source of patents and innovation in our society, raising the standard of living for everyone. Go technical majors.</p>

<p>

how the self-imposed seclusion of scientists from the “real world” generally leads to the devolution of their fields and pulls their work further into the meaningless as a result of their inability to recognize societal practicalities,

Huh? Now you’re just getting outlandish.</p>

<p>

how… Well, honestly if I keep going I’m not sure that I can stop, and I’m not even someone who majors in the humanities and feels like he has to defend something.

I’ve been the Devil’s Advocate before, it can be enjoyable.</p>

<p>

I just don’t like stupid pronouncements from upon high that come from those who clearly have no more knowledge than I do.

Some can just recognize reality better than others. :)</p>