nox

I am a freshman at texas A&M and am planning on switching to a biochemistry major. They require me to take math 151, 152, and 251, yet have alternatives of math 171, 172 and 221, respectively. I've heard mixed messages on the differences between the different maths. As I'll take math 151 or 171 first, differences I've found between the two is MATLAB in 151. It seems to make sense that 171 would be the way to go as to avoid MATLAB since they're both of equal credit and count toward the major. However, it seems odd that math 151 is the course suggested to take, as its calculus for engineering majors.

The biochemistry advisor said math 171 includes more proofs and deriving of math concepts, yet I've heard different from students in the class.

As I'm encouraged to start taking my maths as soon as possible, I'd appreciate any insight.

Xcellerator

Aren't you suppose to be taking math 147/148 then? It's a new calculus course for biology/science related majors.
Math 151 and 171 should be very similar besides the mathlab. 171/172/221 is more towards math majors so I'll guess they more proofs...

nox

That would sound reasonable yeah, but both the biochem advisor and biochem website say I need to take math 151 or 171. Maybe it has something to do with that it's in the agriculture and life sciences college, I really don't know. I don't really like proofs, yet I've heard most people don't like matlab too much either..

Xcellerator

Well, it's because I'm taking Math 147 (Calc I for Bio) right now. I might consider taking 172/152 next semester. And yes, I've heard matlabs are a pain. I'd go with 171/172 since you won't be going into engineering.

CantTouchThis

I have personally taken both classes because I was an engineering major and switched. I would recommend taking 151 eventhough there is matlab because there is only one professor for 171 a semester his name is Lewis and he is a nice guy just extremely hard and since he is the only professor their aren't many study options and he can do basically anything he wants. Besides these things I would say the classes are identical.

c1rca

I would have to agree. Take math 151. My friend is taking 171 and the formulas that our teacher tells us he has to prove. Matlab isn't bad at all. Just go to the help sessions and they will help you and basically do it for you.

gstein

Matlab is extremely useful for industry, so I suggest learning it and taking 151.

nox

Thanks for the advice you guys; I'm signed up for math 151. Also the other day I found Stewarts Calculus with Early Vectors for 30 bucks at half price books!