question for university (engineering)

[MonsieurFish]

so tomorrow i can start to apply for my courses for university and i have one question. i'm taking engineering, and i took math 30 and math 31 in ib... which means that i am aloud to skip a certain course (first year math or something). does anyone know if it'd be a good idea to drop first year math or whatever it is to have extra time to study for my other courses, or would it be a big mistake and i should take that course to make sure i know the stuff?

summary of question: does anyone have any advice for if i should take or skip the course that i'm allowed to skip for engineering since i took math in IB?

apologies if i was confusing, and thanks in advance

[Phanuthier]

Which university are you going to?

I personally took math and phys IB, and I'm in engineering and I wouldn't recommend skipping it.

[JD]

Years ago (nearly 10) I did the same thing... skipped some 1st year courses due to my AP credit (does AP even exist anymore? ) Anyway, on 2nd try, I wouldn't do that.

Take the full complement of courses. The engineering program is designed for the courses to all complement each other. If you find AMAT 207 (or whatever) really easy because you've done it all before, just count it a blessing and be ready for when they step up the intensity, because they will!

First year engineering wants to kick your ass. Don't let it!

[CaramonLS]

1st year calc? Skip it.

I took math 31 and was more than prepared to take the final exam even if I had never gone to class. In fact, my first year calc teacher was so awful, on the night before the final exam I had to break out my Math 31 notes and use them to study. (Norman Bates @ the UofC).

It was just basic calc review. Just like Math 31 (for normals), I imagine with IB it would be even easier.

[MonsieurFish]

yea it might be first year calc that i can skip. i think it is.... and im going to u of c by the way.

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by fotze

That was first year calc enigneering or the one everyone else takes? Unless its the same now?

I thought everyone, Engineers, etc had to take either Math 251 or 271 - Unless there is a special Calc for 1st year ENG Students.

If it is 251 or 271 you get to skip, skip those.

[JD]

Yup, engineering has its own first year math, denoted AMAT (applied mathematics). Not the same as MATH 251, but pretty close. I think AMAT has some linear algebra (matrix stuff) thrown in there.

[HelloHockeyFans]

First Year Engineering is not difficult. You'll be alright if you choose to take the math course. In fact, take as many courses as you possibly can handle in the early part of your engineering degree... because later on, things'll get rough!

[Ashartus]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

In fact, my first year calc teacher was so awful, on the night before the final exam I had to break out my Math 31 notes and use them to study. (Norman Bates @ the UofC).

I'm pretty sure he was my prof too (many years ago), unless I'm getting names mixed up - he'd walk into class, do examples out of the text for 15 minutes, then say 'that's all for today' and leave. I should've requested a tuition refund.

Unless the courses have changed a lot over the last few years, I'd take the introductory calculus courses, but they'll certainly be easier if you have Math 31.

[JD]

Originally Posted by fotze

That is the complete opposite from what I found.

Yup, me too. Whether it's rumour or design, the first year of engineering has been said to be the "weeding out" process for those who can do it and those who switch to humanities.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Originally Posted by fotze

That is the complete opposite from what I found.

Yeah, I should probably add an "IMO"... but first year was what, a very basic programming course, some vector mechanics course, basic electrical course, technical writing, chemistry, first year physics, linear algebra, calculus 1... what else? I can't even remember...

Point is, when I look back and compare those courses to the later courses... oh boy... not even close!

We're talking for-loops, V=IR, F=ma, etc. vs. Maxwell's Equations, Transient Behaviours, Spontaneous Emissions, etc.

[looooob]

I'm getting old (as in first year uni almost 20 years ago old), and while I found that the IB stuff covered you for some of the basic science courses, it didn't necessarily cover off the 2nd half of year one in some of the calculus and physics I was taking. also although I did 'place out' of some stuff and took some interesting electives, it made year 2 of uni abit of an eye opener (year one was pretty easy)

i wasn't at UofC though

[Rathji]

Edit: I misunderstood question. If your IB class gives you credit for it, then don't take the class. I would take Calc II(or the ENG equiv, applications of integration?). The reason being is your classes will get harder and more time consuming as the years go on, best to get stuff out of the way as soon as possible. Not to mention it is easy to forget stuff if you don't use it for an entire year.

p.s. if you do take Calc II, You can not buy the textbook (especially if it is the James Stewart Text) as it is available in PDF format. It will save you a bit o cash. PM me if you have any questions about where to obtain it.

[nieuwy-89]

Originally Posted by JD

Yup, me too. Whether it's rumour or design, the first year of engineering has been said to be the "weeding out" process for those who can do it and those who switch to humanities.

I'm a U of A Engineering Grad. I found second year the toughest but first year was not far behind. First year was crazy because it was a whole new world...parties, bars, and just adjusting to the campus lifestyle. Second year really threw me for a loop because the courses get a little tougher and we were taking 7 per semester (do they still make second year's do that?). The last couple of years were much easier. By third year you know the ins and outs of University life, when to party, when to study, etc. And the courses get WAY more interesting.

MonsieurFish...my advice is to take the Math course. It may be mostly a "review" of your grade 12 classes, but the extra reinforcement can't hurt. My other advice is to relish your University experience, especially in first year. Get involved, rush some fraternities (even if you don't plan to join, they treat you well when they're trying to recruit you), and don't take it too seriously. There will be plenty of time for that later.

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

I thought everyone, Engineers, etc had to take either Math 251 or 271 - Unless there is a special Calc for 1st year ENG Students.

If it is 251 or 271 you get to skip, skip those.

271 is Discrete Math.... If you are not planning on taking any pure math courses of comp sci courses then skip it otherwise if you skip it you're ed .

[the-rasta-masta]

Advice: Don't go into engineering! I used to hang out with a bunch of kids in high school who went into engineering. Now they never leave their desks. Be warned.

[STeeLy]

Don't skip it man... it maybe IB but u could use the review...

[cheung31]

I also took Math 31 IB. I would recommend taking it (AMAT 217). It is such an easy course since it is literally a review, that it will become a much needed GPA boost.

I think you need a 6/7 or 7/7 on your IB exam for math to earn credit for it in university.

I would recommend getting into a lecture taught by Dr. Elsabrouty. He is the win, and I think I speak for all of his former students.

[REDVAN]

2nd the Elsabrouty comment, the best math teacher ever. I am not in engg myself, but my girlfriend and brother and a bunch of friends are. Plus I had to take the amat's for my degree. So I hope this helps:

Take the class. For two reasons- one, it'll be an easy grade for you, and two: there might be something you can learn. I know that when I personally took AMAT217, I learnt quite a bit. It's worth it. And get Elabrouty. Or Holland, he sometimes teaches it.

[smooth_operator]

Dr. Elsabrouty rocks. He is the best. if you wanna to get in his class, better register really really early.
I remember in my year, people were sitting all over the place in the lecture room, the dean had to come down and kicked some of the students who were not registered in the class.
I thought Holland teaches Economic. He is a great great teacher, funny and just great.