Differential Equations or Not

[ReadytoGrad]

I am a sophomore planning on declaring my major as Geosciences. My hope is to attend graduate school in the future ( not really sure of emphasis as my interests are still too varied) so I want consider my scheduling options. So far I have completed:

 

Mathematics: Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra

Geosciences: 2 foundation/introductory courses, but nothing too involved yet

Additional Science: Astrophysics, General Chem I & II, AP Physics credits B, C (both tests for C)

Computer Science: Intro to Computer Programming

 

So here are my options for the next semester:

 

Geologic modeling (computer program, data analysis)

Mineralogy

Structural Geology

GeoChemistry

Differential Equations

Distribution Requirement (probably economics)

 

I can only take 4 or 5 classes, so something has to give. I have been told to consider Differential Equations by several professors (one with whom I will be working on  environmental research with his summer- basically data analysis), but that means I will probably drop one geo course. 

Any Advice? Should I do the math? And then what geo courses?

[Cookie]

Dif Q is fundamental. You should take it, no doubt.

[geographyrocks]

Dif Q is fundamental. You should take it, no doubt.

This.

[TakeruK]

Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations are the essential mathematical tools you need for quantitative work in the earth sciences! Definitely take DEs.

[GeoDUDE!]

I agree, although I would say that its really the Linear Algebra that you learn in Diff EQ and Multivariate Calculus that is really the important part. If both those classes(multivariable calculus, diff eq) did not include linear algebra, then I suggest taking a higher level analysis course such as advanced calculus. This will teach you how to build ODE/PDEs as matrices, which is fundamental for solving them numerically.  

 

I don't know which geology course I would drop in favor of it, probably geochem as minerology and structure seem to be core classes at most departments. 

Edited April 8, 2015 by GeoDUDE!

[Usmivka]

Hold up a second. Differential equations are important, but there is no reason they have to be taken THIS semester based on what you wrote. You are a sophomore. You have two more years and three summers in which you could take this course. I'm going to take a wild guess and say that differential equations is much more likely to be offered every semester (including summer term, even if you have to do it at a community college) than those geology courses, which are probably on an annual or biennial schedule. So the cost of skipping DQ for now and taking it later is minor, while skipping a geology course now risks your ability to stay on track in the major. You should be talking with the departmental academic advisor about this and what courses need to happen when.

Edited April 8, 2015 by Usmivka

[TakeruK]

I think Usmivka made a good point that I didn't think about with my earlier advice! I definitely think DEs are important, but whether you need to do it now depends on what your research work this summer will be like and also what your program / major is like!

 

If you are doing numerical work this summer and if your research supervisor thinks DEs are important for your work then you should take it now. Otherwise, it would be fine to delay it if it means falling behind in your major.

 

That said, some schools have a lot more flexibility in the order you take classes, so if it's possible to take a pre-req as a co-req next fall, then you might want to consider that too! Probably a good idea to talk to both your research and academic advisors on finding a plan of courses that best fit your needs

[ReadytoGrad]

Thanks everyone. I will take your advice seriously. I have to sit with my advisor as I declare my major and wanted some ideas before I did so. Looking at our requirements for the degree, the only requirement is mathematics up to multi variable, so I was curious as to other opinions. Of course they do recommend going beyond the basic requirements for grad school entry, but I did not know if linear algebra or further was advisable.

My situation is that some courses are not held every semester (as mentioned above) so I need to be careful. I am considering scheduling for junior year (completing my sophomore year in May- perhaps I was not clear) I feel that I may have come to the geosciences a bit later than most. Definitely love the field and can see myself enjoying it even more as I take additional classes.

Your help is greatly appreciated

[moochie]

Thanks everyone. I will take your advice seriously. I have to sit with my advisor as I declare my major and wanted some ideas before I did so. Looking at our requirements for the degree, the only requirement is mathematics up to multi variable, so I was curious as to other opinions. Of course they do recommend going beyond the basic requirements for grad school entry, but I did not know if linear algebra or further was advisable.

My situation is that some courses are not held every semester (as mentioned above) so I need to be careful. I am considering scheduling for junior year (completing my sophomore year in May- perhaps I was not clear) I feel that I may have come to the geosciences a bit later than most. Definitely love the field and can see myself enjoying it even more as I take additional classes.

Your help is greatly appreciated

 

I didn't come to the geosciences until after I had graduated with a double major in two non-geoscience fields (physics and chemistry), and then worked for a year as a systems engineer (also not geo). I'm attending CU Boulder starting this fall for a geology PhD, so you'll be fine! All my POIs were mostly interested in my quantitative skills (primarily my math and physics courses), so I definitely agree that taking ODEs is a smart move, even if it means taking one less geo elective (assuming you'll still be graduating on time and everything.)

[idiochromatic]

Word. I don't think I declared my geos major until junior year. I also didn't get the chance to take as much math as you. I am going to MIT. You'll be fine.

[eeee1923]

Honestly you've already done linear algebra, so DE is the next logical step. As long as you get a good textbook (or use the internet - it's a pretty well defined math branch, especially at the sophomore/junior level) then you should be fine.