Another math thread (and distance education)

[falco123456]

Hi all;

I was hoping for a little help. I have an undergraduate degree with dual majors in Business Admin and Economics (3.9 GPA in both majors). I am just wrapping up my MBA in Finance, and am planning on pursuing the Economics phd in the near future. Unfortunately my math background is weak (only 1 semester of calc, 1 advanced stats class).

Before I go I plan on beefing up my background. I have a few options before me; the first is going through my local university extension, which will allow me take Calculus 1 and 2 and Advanced Calculus (which the catalog says is basically Calculus 3 without differential equations). I will also pick up my Linear Algebra class this way.

The second option I was looking at was the University of Illinois online classes (for a breakdown see the course listing at: http://netmath.uiuc.edu/courses.php#385).

I have a few questions.

#1 - How essential is taking Calculus 3 at UI vs the Advanced Calc I listed above.

#2 - Has anyone had any experience with the online classes at UI; any opinions on how much better that format is than the assignments out of the book you would receive with the correspondence math classes?

#3 - If you were taking the UI classes in prep for the phd, which courses would you take? Obvious the 3 calc classes, but there also appears to be two linear algebra courses; which is preferred (or is it both)? Would the probability class be worthwhile? Are any of the other classes worth taking to improve admission probabilities?

#4 - Are there any other sources of online classes that would allow a few of the upper level math classes (ie; real analysis) that could strengthen a degree. I would prefer to take all my math courses at one institution so I can keep them all one transcript, but I'll do what I have to get the classes done.

Because of my work schedule, location, and other factors I don't have access to a university to take classes, so I have to make to do. FYI, I am primarily looking at a 20-100 range school, but even if I don't need all the math I want it so I can be prepared once I get in.

I know these are a lot of questions; I appreciate any info anyone can give.

[shootermcgavin7]

I took Calc I-III and Matrix Algebra through netmath a little under two years ago. Advanced Calc and Calc III used to be slightly different, Adv Calc was 3 hours, and Calc III was 4 hrs and was basically Adv Calc with a lot more vector work tossed in.


I believe they have subsequently merged those two.

I highly recommend them; although I would recommend taking Real Analysis (and possibly even Linear Algebra) in a more traditional setting that tends to place more emphasis on proofs.

A note on the coursework -- there's a lot less emphasis placed on rote memorization, and more placed on understanding the concepts involved. There are pros and cons to both. In Real Analysis, you'll have to memorize the initial theorems, but you'll have to be able to apply to on exams..etc

[falco123456]

Shooter, how easy did you find netmath to work with? My goal is to bunker down and attempt to pick up all my needed classes by the end of December (hoping to invest 30-40 hours per week into the classes at this point).

My only concern is that they might not be able to process my work at that speed. How long of a time period did you take to finish all the classes you took?

[shootermcgavin7]

Depends on the "mentor", but normally they have your homework graded in one weekday.

The bigger problem for me, as I traveled for work a great deal, was scheduling tests with the proctor at a local university.

I finished the four classes I mentioned in about 12 months; I'm not sure how many classes you intend to take through Netmath. Keep the prereqs in mind when planning a "schedule". You don't have to stay on any sort of semester schedule, though.

[tbroker]

Shooter were the tests open book and notebook? How is this discussed between you and your proctor? Do they have to sit and watch you because that would be uncomfortable.

[falco123456]

Thanks shooter. The proctor won't be an issue for me. I'm planning on taking calc 1-3 and then taking linear algebra.

I noticed in one of your earlier posts thats that you had taken both math 225 (introductory matrix theory) and math 415 (linear transformation and matrices ~ also referred to as linear algebra in the catalog). Did you find both necessary, or would math 415 have sufficed on its own?

I hope to take both probability theory and differential equations in the spring, just to continue improving my skills prior to starting the first year, however, I desperately want to get the three semesters of calc and linear algebra on my transcript prior to applying.

[shootermcgavin7]

Originally Posted by falco123456

I noticed in one of your earlier posts thats that you had taken both math 225 (introductory matrix theory) and math 415 (linear transformation and matrices ~ also referred to as linear algebra in the catalog). Did you find both necessary, or would math 415 have sufficed on its own?

I believe 225 is a prereq for 415, but I could be mistaken. There's a little bit of overlap, but generally the only things that overlap are background for 415 (ie Eigenvectors, advanced decomp, stuff like that).

I know nothing of their Probability course, I started taking statistics after I was enrolled in my masters program.

[shootermcgavin7]

Originally Posted by tbroker

Shooter were the tests open book and notebook? How is this discussed between you and your proctor? Do they have to sit and watch you because that would be uncomfortable.

The tests are not open book or open notebook. There is nothing to "discuss" with the proctor, UIUC sends a packet down to whichever local university you are using at the beginning of the semester with instructions for the proctor.

Some of the tests you can use a calculator, others (i.e. all of the linear algebra side to my memory) you cannot.

Typically, local colleges have testing centers where a variety of people are taking standardized tests for one thing or another. The proctor isn't sitting behind you watching you write but they do monitor the room.....it is just like taking any other test in a classroom, etc.

[C152dude]

My high school econ teacher is proctoring my tests.

Check here for what the lessons are like:
http://calcand.math.uiuc.edu/courseware/