<p>Hey guys, I’m a rising sophomore who’s definitely concentrating in either Applied Math-CS (the more likely option) or Math-CS. I didn’t take CS 22 this spring because I was still exploring a couple of other options, but now I’m sure.</p>
<p>CS 22 is being offered in spring '12 I saw it on the course scheduler, and got it confirmed by Tom Doeppner. I have two options:
- Take 22 in spring '12, but take it along with three other concentration requirements (pre-reqs + the fact that most of the classes I want to take are offered only in spring. I’ve been trying a whole lot of permutations all day long, and I have no choice but to double up on concentration classes in spring '12). Also, I’ll definitely be continuing my research, so that’s just another time commitment I’m throwing out there.
- Take 45 in fall '13 and have a more leisurely schedule. However, I’m a little skeptical of 45 from what I’ve read/heard so far…it looks like there will definitely be gaps in the material (an issue since I’m definitely taking 51 in the future), plus I’m genuinely interested in taking a legit discrete math class.</p>
<p>I guess my questions are: is 45 a worthy substitute for 22, or should I suck it up and have a nerdily hellish sophomore spring?</p>
<p>If you go Math-CS, 22 and 45 will both be wastes of your time. If you go APMA-CS, 22 will be more useful, but not by much. 22’s time commitment will vary greatly - all problems for homework and exams are rewritten each year, so it’s hard to say if it’d take much time or not. If you have a background in proofs (and if you’re considering Math-CS, you must), 22 will be pretty easy review, though. The only real part that wouldn’t be review is graph theory. I’m a former 22 TA, and I’m surprised it’s being offered again - we were explicitly told it would not be and so made no effort to organize information for posterity. Oops.</p>
<p>I’m skeptical of 45’s value for an APMA or Math concentrator, and you’d frankly get more out of Math161+162 or APMA165+166. I’d take 22, probably find it easy given your background, and not worry too much about the schedule. The one concern is that they are exceptionally picky in their proofs. Points are taken off unless you follow exactly their proof templates, which can be somewhat silly - all induction proofs must have a statement like “Let P(x) be the property that 1+2+…+x = x(x+1)/2,” for example. Actually, I’d consider trying to get out of this requirement altogether - Pascal would likely be your advisor, and he’s pretty reasonably.</p>
<p>Wait, it’s possible to get out of this requirement? I didn’t know that!</p>
<p>But wouldn’t that be an issue for 51 later?</p>
<p>It is possible to get out of requirements in general - I’m Math-CS and got around the math 18/20/35 requirement. You just need a reasonable rationale (knowing almost all of what CS22 and CS45 teaches would likely be a reasonable rationale). Do check with the professor, but it should be possible to get an override into 51 without taking either.</p>
<p>If you find you absolutely must take one of the two (because Pascal says so or because the 51 professor says so), take 22.</p>
<p>22 is only really necessary for 51 if you’ve never taken any proof-based math class, and abstract algebra will prepare you at least as well as 22 (even if 22 is listed as a formal pre-req).</p>
<p>That’s perfect, then. I definitely plan on taking abstract algebra. Thanks!</p>
<p>Update: I emailed Pascal, and he said that I can definitely replace 22/45 with abstract algebra.</p>
<p>I wish Pascal responded to my e-mails that quickly…and I’m both his advisee <em>and</em> his HTA :-P</p>
<p>But good luck! I definitely struggled through the first third of Abstract Algebra, but it eventually clicked.</p>
<p>Thanks! It sounds like a difficult but rewarding (and fun) class, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.</p>