Alright, well here's the rundown. I took a mathematics placement test for college and I got my results back. It was a letter from the dean of mathematics at the uni, saying that I scored well enough on the placement test to consider a major in mathematics. Well, while I've got my major picked out, I was thinking... what about a math minor?
See, I'm going to become a high-school science teacher. Eventually, maybe, I'd like to go into physics - in particular, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. I can't help but feel that perhaps a mathematics minor would help greatly in this. Besides, even if I decide to stay in high school science, I'm sure a math minor would help out.
The catch - I didn't do well in high-school math class. I mean, I can (obviously) do the math, I just didn't want to. Sitting in math class, using numbers to get more numbers bored me. The math of calculus and physics, however, interests me.
Does anyone have any good advice?
Thanks in advance!
2006-07-30 17:05:43 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Difference between highschool math and Calc, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Topography,..... is the same as the difference between grammar and real writing.
If you don't like the grammar, it has only a mild correlation with whether you can be a good writer.
If you algebra bores you, has only a mild correlation with whether you you will find real mathematics interesting.
2006-07-30 17:15:48 · answer #1 · answered by bizsmithy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am willing to bet even money that you excelled in chemistry/physics. Why? Maybe because it interested you on some level, or the examples were practical enough for you to see a relationship.
Mathematics in my opinon is taught in secondary schools from a theoretical perspective without the bridging components of practical application to stuff of everyday living.
Carpentry, machining, astronomy,cooking, taloring, geography, accounting, book-keeping, chemistry, physics, and mechanics, are all access portals to mathematics, because they have practical applications that keep the interset of the secodary school student.
Go with your passion. Major in a hard science or engineering course that will come easy to you, so that your duration in school will be easy on you. Think in terms of connections. As a matter of fact, watch the documentary and book by James Burke, called "Connections." You will find it interesting.
The documentary and book "Cosmos," by Carl Sagan has not just comological information in it but the stuffof other science. Sagan was a biology major!
College math begins usually with college algebra or calculus 1. Any physics or engineering course will require at least these 2 maths.
You will be suprised to know that you already actually know math. It is inside of all of us. Understanding it, expressing it is another matter.
If you can help it avoid classes that will bore you or bring your average low. Challenge yourself, but take classes that you love so much that if the class were not taught at your school, you would study it anyway. To me physics and math are the foundations for other courses, philosophy is the foundation for both of these.
Celestial mechanics is an interesting blend of the courses that you mentioned in your post. Seek well roundedness in your education.
Remember the first man to give a Ph.D or any degree did not have a degree himself. There is no subsitute for self study. Edison did not get past 7th grade. Emagwalli studied physics and math on his own to become central to supercomputer technology.
Mark Twain said, "Schooling is what someone else gives you, Education is what you give yourself."
Follow your passions where your learning is concerned. Learning is an adventure. Go to China if you must, but get your learn on.
2006-07-30 17:48:08 · answer #2 · answered by LeBlanc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do take maths as a minor(allied) subject. It will definately help you to understand astrophysics and cosmology. Most of the physics that you study is almost completly based on maths. Hence doind maths as an allied subject would be the correct step.
Best of luck!
2006-07-30 17:13:32 · answer #3 · answered by tuhinrao 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you scored that well in math, I'd definitely consider it for my minor, since you are chosing Physics as your major. I think it would look great on your resume! (Espcially if you are intending to teach High School.)
2006-07-30 17:11:15 · answer #4 · answered by poetess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should hone your (obviously) inherent skills. A math minor sounds like a great idea. Who knows?- You may get totally hooked! Good luck.
2006-07-30 17:10:28 · answer #5 · answered by druid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what you'd like to do. You're not required to become a math major or minor.
2006-07-30 17:10:14 · answer #6 · answered by jjc92787 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋