<p>This is what I’m planning on taking my first semester at college:</p>
<p>Discrete Mathematics (4 credits)
Introductory Programming in Java + Programming Lab (4 credits)
Child Adoption and Family-Making (3 credits)
Foundations of Brain, Behavior and Cognition (3 credits)
Introduction to Applied Mathematics and Statistics (1 credit)</p>
<p>My parents are concerned about the number of credits I’m taking, and I certainly have no idea about whether I’ll be able to handle this course load. So I’m considering dropping either Discrete Mathematics for a 3-credit course, or dropping Introduction to Applied Math. </p>
<p>So questions:</p>
<p>-I’m exploring Applied Math and Statistics (particularly its intersections with theoretical Math and Computer Science) as a potential major or minor. What is a better indicator of what Applied Math is like? A 4-credit major requirement, or a 1-credit, more general course?</p>
<p>-Is there really that much of a difference in workload between a 14-credit and 15-credit course load?</p>
<p>Ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, graph theory, operations research, numerical methods are applied math ish.</p>
<p>I’m assuming discrete math is about logic, truth tables, proofs, etc. You might get a better introduction through “Applied Math & Statistics” through the course that says…Introduction to Applied Math and Statistics…</p>
<p>Your schedule sounds okay, but I don’t know exactly how much fun you’ll be having outside of school work it seems like. </p>
<p>16 credits I think is about what everyone takes when they get going in college (I took 12 my first semester to play it safe), 18 credits is pushing it, 20+ is killer.</p>
<p>I think you’re schedule sounds very doable, and if it’s too much work, dropping you’re 1 unit class likely won’t lesson the load any. Try it out and drop a course if the workload seems unreasonable, but I personally think it’s a standard, balanced schedule.</p>
<p>1 unit intro courses typically don’t have very much work associated with them (at least, in my experience). They are generally designed to introduce students to the field by having speakers come in, talking about different specialties and career options, or giving you a taste of different ways of thinking or different projects. I don’t know if that course will be like that, but I doubt dropping it would have a significant effect on your schoolwork. I would keep it because they can be fun or useful as introductions to the field.</p>
<p>The intro course could be a good way to get to know different professors in your intended department and begin networking with them. (Or it could be deadly dull.) ;)</p>
<p>I didn’t think it was worth it, because I’m double majoring and I have a lot of required courses to fit in and this wasn’t a top choice for my limited elective schedule. I also didn’t feel it was worth the tuition cost. Instead I bought a textbook that covers these issues to read on my own time, and I’m very satisfied with how much info I’m getting without having to take the class. I am using “The Essential Guide To Becoming a Master Student” and I highly recommend it.</p>