CMI Exchange: Comments from Tilke Judd
http://math.mit.edu/undergraduate/cmi/tilke-comments.html
CMI Exchange: Comments from Tilke Judd
At MIT, I took:
18.02 Multivariable Calculus
18.03 Differential Equations
18.06 Linear Algebra
18.110 (?) Principles of Applied Mathematics
18.781 Theory of Numbers
8.01 Physics Dynamics
8.02 Electricty and Magnetism
Here I am taking:
Math Analysis 2
Fluid Dynamics
Methods
Linear Algebra
Comments:
Although the course work here is rigorous, I feel that I probably have the background to do Fluid
Dynamics, Methods and Linear Algebra ok. Fluid Dynamics calls up a lot of concepts that I remember
from Dynamics and from Multivariable calculus (Equating forces, Div, Curl, Grad, Green's theorem).
Methods seems to call up concepts from Differential Equations (solving inhomogeneous and
homogeneous equations, Laplace). Linear Algebra here is ok for me....but only because I've already
taken Linear Algebra at MIT. The linear algebra course here seems to me like a 2nd course in linear
algebra - it mostly assumes that one is familiar with matrices, kernel, image, bases, spanning - and
instead focuses on proving theorems concerned with linear algebra. It feels very much like a theoretical
linear algebra class. I don't feel that it could take the place of 18.06 at all. Some other MIT students here
are taking Linear Algebra without having taken 18.06 and they might be having a hard time at it. Now,
doing Math Analysis 2 without Analysis 1 is difficult. I would recommend that MIT students in the
future try and take 18.100A before coming here. I feel that I lack a background in doing lots of rigorous
proofs that the Cambridge students have here. I had some practice in Theory of Numbers, but that was
with very different topics. I am going to go through with the class though - it has the best lecturer and is
interesting - and will see how it turns out. I am also very much looking into getting a tutor for this class.
In general I am still trying to get used to pacing work without frequent deadlines:) (Nothing due for a
long time, then wham - two long example papers due). Besides that, I am very much enjoying this year's
pause to focus just on maths!!
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