Re: Courses to take to prepare for graduate school in mathematics? And other advise?


<joshua.olson@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1134394174.261764.36480@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> I'm currently a senior at Univeristy of Illinois - Springfield (not
> exactly a top school) majoring in computer science with a minor in math
> (not much substance to the minor) and I will be graduating this spring
> with about a 3.95 gpa (cumulative of 3.45 or so). But I want to get
> into graduate school for mathematics and go for my Ph.D.
>
> So, I am planning on going to Colorado State University starting this
> summer to strengthen my background and possibly get a second B.S. or
> maybe a Masters in mathematics and I'm wondering what courses you think
> would help me get into a top school (top 10, maybe top 20)? Any other
> advise that people might have specific to grad. school in (pure) math
> (I think this is nessicary to say because pure math doesn't have the
> same type of lab assistantships as other sciences)?
>
> Right now my plan is to take Abstract Algebra this spring (this will be
> my first proof based course). Then this summer take Advanced Calculus
> of One Variable (intro to analysis) and a upper level Linear Algebra
> course.
>
> Then next fall take the first year graduate sequences Real Analysis I
> and II (using Rudin), Abstract Algebra I and II (Dummit and Foote), and
> either Linear Algebra I and II (Lax), or Topology I and II (Munkres).
>
> What does everyone think? Does that sound like a good way to go or is
> there other courses I should take instead? Should I just take those
> courses and apply for Fall '07 or should I consider taking another year
> after that and possibly finish a BS, masters or both and apply for Fall
> '08?
>
> Finally what things should I try to do outside of classes to strengthen
> my application? Should I try and do a REU or tutor? I know the U of
> MN hads a program where undergrads can help TA some of the first year
> math courses, is this common at other schools too?
>

I was in the same boat - a bachelor in CS (with a little math) and wanted to
pursue pure mathematics.

I don't think Abstract Algebra as a first proof based class is a good idea.
My university had a class called "Communications in Mathematics" that was
just to teach proof techniques. I made the mistake of taking abstract
algebra before a good proofs class ("modern algebra" as it was called) and
nearly failed the class. Also take both the undergraduate sequence of
abstract algebra before you take graduate level algebra.

You need to take 2 classes of advanced calculus not just one. The second one
covers integration and multidimensional analysis. This is very important
before you start Rudin Analysis I.

Also, I would not take graduate level analysis right the next year from
taking advanced calculus. Probably take some Munkres point-set topology
before. They say it's possible but they are assuming a more rigorous
advanced calculus with lots of topology that 2 semesters of advanced
calculus just can't provide.

Finally, don't be over-eager to go through the classes. Taking a CS class is
very very different than taking a Math class. Give yourself some time to
adjust to mathematics or gain certain mathematical maturity.

The litmus test of if you can do a class or not is just pick up the
textbook, read the chapter and try to work through all the exercises of the
first two chapters of the textbook. If you can solve them then you're ready.
If you have no clue how to do most of them even after reading the chapter
then it's a bad idea to take that course.


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Sarah Palin- creationist VP candidate?
    ... there will be many high school students ... mathematics is, for whatever reason, necessary for higher learning. ... algebra-free statistics courses have given very poor results, ... is quite bright) was unable to pass high school algebra, ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Sequencing of high-school subjects (Was: Re: Is this math test too easy?)
    ... Algebra 1, geometry, algebra ... students were expected to be ready for college. ... high school ... What math courses do ...
    (sci.math)
  • Re: The state of education in the USA.
    ... technology and its effects in education for about 20 years. ... through to higher-level material, including abstract mathematics ... courses, where low-level algebra skills are used less. ... Courses like Discrete Mathematics, Abstract Algebra, Advanced ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Re: Galois Theory ok, weird lie from sci.math
    ... >> I went to grad school in physics. ... > So now abstract algebra is supposedly different from algebra? ... this field of mathematics is often referred ...
    (sci.math)
  • Re: What Math Is Needed for Programming?
    ... You don't need anything more than a little bit of algebra to do computer ... The only courses available ... outside of my school hours were evening courses, ... All the courses listed calculus and other requirements I had not ...
    (comp.lang.java.programmer)
Loading