UCLA Math Majors: Advice Please!

Supa_Ramga · 07-03-2009, 09:45 PM

I'm an incoming transfer student for this Fall quarter. I plan to take the following courses for this upcoming quarter.

Math 110AH - Honors Algebra
Math 131AH - Honors Analysis
Econ 101 - Microeconomic Theory

and (if I'm allowed)

Math 115AH - Honors Linear Algebra.

From any math major who has taken these classes, or know anyone who has taken these classes, is this load realistic? I'm fairly confident with my own math skills as I really do love the subject. But this isn't going overboard right?

As a transfer student I have limited time @ UCLA. I want to try getting into the Scholar's Program, but if I can't, I want to at least finish the Honors Program.

Thanks in advance!

JetForcegeminix · 07-03-2009, 09:58 PM

you plan to take 3 upper division honors math classes without having ever taken a proof based math course before? That sounds pretty unrealistic. I think you're grossly underestimating how much time you have to put into the math courses. I've been attending the upper division linear algebra lectures at Cal and i can't even imagine the amount of work i'd get from taking 2 upper division math classes.

KGZotU · 07-03-2009, 10:38 PM

As a former math major at UCSD who took these course equivalents, I think you're going to need some proofs background in order to tackle these courses. Honestly, algebra and analysis--presented fully, as you'll be taking them--are probably the most painful courses a university can offer. I might be wrong about the particulars at UCLA, but I'd talk to the major advisor before trying this out.

Good luck,
Joe

Edit: Taking a look at the course descriptions, I might be wrong. The analysis course says that students learn to write clear arguments in the course. *shrugs* Weird.

Edit2: I'd suggest considering yourself up for _either_. Typically, students will find themselves more suited towards one of algebra or analysis. Most people, and you're likely most people, will find themselves in a world of hurt taking both. So, if you want to sign up for both, try them out for a few weeks and don't consider it a shame to drop one.

Supa_Ramga · 07-03-2009, 11:02 PM

@JetForce
As a math major, I must take more than one upper division math class per quarter.

@KGZotu
My major requires me to take Analysis. If I wish to complete the honors program, I must complete algebra as well.

I've been doing self-study for Linear Algebra to get used to the proofs. Perhaps I should also try reading up a bit on Analysis or Algebra by myself? That way I'll be somewhat prepared for when I start this Fall.

KGZotU · 07-03-2009, 11:51 PM

@Supa_Ramga: What I meant to include is that you can do the other sequence the next year. (Unless you have some other requirements.)

What sort of a Linear Algebra text are you studying from? For full effect, you'll want to study proofs in the context of axiomatic systems. There are some good books that teach you this explicitly in simple contexts, like set theory. The text I used was Velleman's _How to Prove It_, which I liked.

LogicWarrior · 07-04-2009, 12:14 AM

You need Econ 11 to take 101.

Supa_Ramga · 07-04-2009, 03:38 AM

@KGZotu
I was thinking of doing a sequence next year, but I want to present a thesis (required for Honors Program) in Economics. Don't know if I should be taking an honors sequence and preparing a thesis at the same time.

I'll also look into the text as well. Do you know of any free video lecture courses online that would also be helpful?

@Logic
I'm taking Econ 11 during Summer session C.

rpicton · 07-04-2009, 04:05 AM

The scholar's program in Math at UCLA has its advantages and disadvantages.
+Good to help get into grad school
-Might hurt your chances at getting a fellowship, depending on the school
+ Fortunately, numerous schools(such as UCSB) let grad students with masters be a teaching associate instead of a TA. This means you 1) get more money and 2) have more responsibilities as you teach the whole class yourself.
-Some employers don't consider it a "real" masters because it's mostly course based.

Overall, I would only take 2 honors courses at any one time and make sure I stay around 13-14 units. But that is me. I think you can still achieve what you want to if you spread it out a little.

Also, note that graduate level classes will require even more effort than those honors upper division classes. And you need to take a minimum of 8.

I would definitely do it though. Good luck.
With hard work and balanced schedules you should be able to do it.

Supa_Ramga · 07-04-2009, 03:03 PM

I've decided to not take Math 115AH (Linear Alg) because it conflicts with my Econ 101 class. The counselors would have not allowed me to do it anyway, I haven't even taken the lower division Linear Alg yet so I'll just take that instead. It'll be a total of 4 classes (16 units) with two honors courses.

KGZotU · 07-05-2009, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supa_Ramga

I'll also look into the text as well. Do you know of any free video lecture courses online that would also be helpful?

Sorry, none off the top of my head.

Malishka31 · 07-05-2009, 12:39 PM

You cant take 110 without taking 115 first. You havent even had lower level linear algebra yet, what are you doing taking honors algebra????

33a, then 115, then 110 sequence.

Analysis is one of the hardest math courses in the whole program. The way of thinking required is not like any math you have had as of yet.

Considering you have not taken a proof heavy course yet, your schedule should at most be this : Math 33a (linear algebra lower div) Math 131AH and Economics 101.

Math 131Ah will require the most work.

LogicWarrior · 07-05-2009, 12:55 PM

Are you math or math/econ? Do you plan to do graduate work in economics?

Supa_Ramga · 07-05-2009, 04:03 PM

@Malishka

Math 110AH does not have any pre-requisites. Here is the course link.
Schedule of Classes: Class Listing

EDIT: Oh wow, but Math 110A DOES have 115 as a pre-requisite. I never looked at the normal 110 listing. In that case, I'm guessing there's a mistake in the listing for 110AH. I will call the math department tomorrow.

@Logic
Currently I'm Math/Applied Science. I want to switch into Math/Econ. Shouldn't be difficult to do right? And I may want to do graduate work in Econ or graduate work in Math, I'm not 100% sure as of now.

Malishka31 · 07-05-2009, 05:43 PM

you can switch within the math department all you want. Math/Econ is under the math department, they will let you change to any of their majors without any problems.

115 is a preq for the honors section of 110. Class schedule is irrelevant, look at the course catalog .

Supa_Ramga · 07-05-2009, 06:44 PM

@Malishka

Right, I see that now. All the other honors sections (that I looked at) listed the same pre-reqs as their normal sections. I am very annoyed that 115A isn't listed as a pre-req on the class schedule for 110AH (it is listed for 110A). Good to know that they will let me switch into Math/Econ, I was hoping it wouldn't be a problem since it's still under the Math Department.

I've been doing self study for linear algebra. Do you think there is any chance they will let me take 115AH even though I haven't taken (or wasn't able to take) 33A or it's equivalent at a community college? I asked the Math Department if I could take the 33A summer session A final to get subject credit for 33A. They said that wouldn't float. Does that pretty much mean there is no hope to get into 115AH w/o 33A (or it's equivalent)?