sushiman

Hi all, I have a few miscellaneous questions about the freshman first quarter I'm hoping some Sophomores can answer. I am desperately confused . Feel free to answer just one of them!

1) Is Math 51 very challenging if you have a reasonably solid understanding of linear calculus, but no exposure to multivariable calculus? Does the 50 series fulfill all the requirements that 40 series does?

2) Is the ACE series worth it in either Math 41, 42 or 51? I am a prospective engineer, but I fear the workload may be too intense. Does ACE add homework and exams, or does it simply increase class time?

3) Since Physics 41 is not offered in the Fall, and most mechanics courses depend on the 40 series, what do prospective mechanical / electrical / aerospace engineers take their first quarter freshman year in terms of physics?

4) Is there a formal placement system for physics and math, or will I only discover my qualification for certain courses in the first three weeks after I've tried them?

5) How come online applications to Intro Sems are unavailable as of now even though the application process opened on the 17th of August? Is there another way of applying?

6) In the long run, do Engineers get to declare their major as late as everyone else, or must they decide earlier?

7) How does one approach such courses as SOC 161: The Social Science of Entrepreneurship (SOC 261) that have no posted prerequisites or restrictions? Are Freshmen allowed to enroll in courses such as these?

Thanks if you've made it this far. If your interests or questions are similar to mine, feel free to post away. Hopefully some wise soul will deliver us from confusion.

BONUS question: If Abe Lincoln and George Washington got into a fight, who’d win?

bluebubbles

5) You need to log in here: https://vcasis.stanford.edu/ and then click on each individual seminar that you want to apply to and fill out the application form for each one. The app form is accessed through the "apply" button.

sushiman

Thanks! It works. One down, six to go.

veggie delight

I'm a junior not a sophomore but I'll try to answer some anyway
1) I was in the opposite position going into 51, most ppl understand one or the other better. If you get lin. algebra and at least understand single var. calc. I *think* you should be fine.
2) From what I've heard ACE is actually a pretty good idea, you get an extra unit, no extra exams etc... and a little extra time to get questions answered/help.
3) No idea. Sorry.
4) There's no formal placement system (except you obviously can't take classes when you haven't taken the prereqs.) You can talk to the prof. or TAs on the first day if you're not sure if you belong in a class.
6) For any unit intensive major you don't necessarily have to declare earlier, you just have to know earlier so that you have time to take all the classes. Check the dept. website for when you need to have declared engineering by.
7) A lot of fuzzy classes don't have prereqs. Nearly all can be taken by freshmen but the prof will usually mention in lecture the first day if it's not recommended for freshmen.

asian75

Answer:
1) Majority of math 51 is linear algebra. You spend 2/3 of the quarter on that. 1/3 on multi calculus. The class itself is not extremely dificult. 40 series only cover single variable. It's for those who didn't take AP Cal in high school
2) If you're a prospective engineer, then I suggest that you don't take the 50 series. You should take CME instead. It's more suited for engineers. You'll learn MatLab which is very useful later.
3) Most people take 45 first quarter. Stanford physics 40 series is a joke. It's even easier than AP Physics except Physics 43. Osheroff ( the Nobel winner) gives some hard tests.
4) For math if you take AP Cal BC or equivalent and get a 5, you can start with 51 or CME 100.
For physics, if you take AP Physics C E and M and get a 5, you can skip 41 and 43.
5) There is no other way to apply to introsem. I think freshmen can't apply for introsem until they have orientation.
6) Engineers doesn't have to declare their major until the end of sophomore year. However keep in mind that engineering major have a lot of requirements. Therefore knowing early what kinda engineers you want to be will help of alot in term of planning classes.
7) You can take any class you want at Stanford, but you know what suits you best.

sushiman

Is CME 100 a required course for an engineer, or is it interchangeable with Math 51? It seems to me that the material in CME 100 is a little advanced for someone like me who has no knowledge of multivariable calculus. Is multivariable slowly introduced, or do the profs operate on the assumption that you already know the material?

asian75

CME series is not required for engineer but it's recommended. Math 50 series are OK too if you choose to go that route. The prereq for CME 100 is single variable calculus. The class will teach you multivariable calculus and its application. I think CME series requires more works than Math 50 series because of MatLab assignment but it's worthwhile.

Sly Si

CME series is equivalent to Math 50, except it's geared more towards engineers.

3) If you've passed out of 41/43 via AP Physics, you could take 45. Otherwise, take math, explore a little, and/or take care of GER's.

4) Contrary to what veggie delight said, you actually can take courses for which you haven't met prereqs. Not recommended--and you probably won't do very well--but it's allowed. You can find some placement information below:
Math: Department of Mathematics - Stanford University
Physics: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/physics...cement2008.pdf
(If you haven't had AP Physics, you start at 21/22, 41, or 61.)

Bonus: Neither. Chuck Norris wins every fight, even those he's not participating in.

asian75

@ Sly Si: What is your major? You seem to know a lot of about classes

llpitch

I have a question: I have a 5 on the AB Calc exam, but have had no experience at all in the BC (Math 42?) material. Why should I jump into 51 with no experience in 42 at all? Should I take 42 in the fall and then 51 in the winter (when the curve is easier)? Also, I have 10 units of credit with my 5 on the AB Calc exam. If I take 42, will I lose all 10 credits or just 5?

asian75

I would take Math 42, but according the the math department. if you get a 5 on AB Calc exam then you can take 51. It's easier to take 51 in the winter since it's off-track. You perhaps can audit both classes

ngolsh314

llpitch, i'm in the same situation as you and i'm going to take 42. I'm actually probably going to take the ACE math series for engineers, though, its officially called Math 42A. Its basically the same except it stresses engineering applications and uses matlab.

llpitch

Yeah if I'm gonna take 42 I'm going to take 42a. That'd put me at 20 units for fall though ><

ngolsh314

yeah, i'm gonna be at 18 myself :P

bluebubbles

^ I'm looking at 20 too, guys. But I'm a fuzzy