Is this a complete undergrad pure math curriculum?

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The discussion centers around the adequacy of a six-course proof-based pure math curriculum offered at a U.S. university, which includes Linear Algebra, Advanced Calculus, Foundations of Geometry, Elementary Number Theory, Complex Analysis, and Abstract Algebra. Participants express concern that this limited selection lacks essential topics like topology and real analysis, which are considered fundamental for a comprehensive understanding of pure mathematics. Comparisons are made to European programs, where students often complete around 25 courses with a focus on proof-based mathematics, highlighting the differences in educational structures. Some suggest pursuing independent studies or additional courses to fill the gaps in the U.S. curriculum. Overall, the consensus indicates that the six courses may not provide sufficient preparation for graduate-level mathematics.
  • #31
R.P.F. said:
Wow. Algebraic geometry as an undergrad? Good for you! And also projective geometry as a single course? Sounds intense. I think the area of modern math that most frequently utilizes projective geometry is the study of elliptic curves.

I should emigrate to Belgium right away.:-p

I also studied an undergrad degree in math in Belgium, and I had less math courses than Micro (went to another university, of course), so think twice before moving (although I'm quite content about my education). The math courses (math majors here were also required to take physics classes for example) I took are (in quasi-chronological order)
  • Calculus I/II/III
  • Linear Algebra
  • Proof and Reasoning
  • Statistics I
  • Geometry I (Euclidean and Affine)
  • Analysis I (Real Analysis + Metric Space)
  • Differential Equations
  • Algebraic Structures (general intro to concepts like groups etc)
  • Abstract Algebra I (groups, rings, fields)
  • Probability
  • Geometry II (Projective, Algebraic Curves, Intro. to Diff. Geo.)
  • Analysis II (Multivariable, Lebesgue, Banach, Wavelets)
  • Numerical Math
  • Mathematical Introduction to Fluid Dynamics (*)
  • Statistics II
  • Topology
  • Complex Analysis
  • Abstract Algebra II (Galois, Sylow, Presentation theory)
  • Number Theory

I count 21. Depending on one's criteria I could also add "Mathematical Methods in Physics", where I (albeit superficially) learned about Stochastic Processes and Representation Theory.

(*) Despite the name no physicists ever took it; it's an applied math class, and a compulsory one at that.
 
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  • #32
To be fair, I'm pretty sure in most places in Europe students take an extra year in high school, while their university degrees are usually 3 years long (13 years of primary and secondary school + 3 years of university, compared to 12 years + 4 years of university in North America). So in a way, their last of high school is sort of equivalent to our year of general studies. Because of this, their degree programs tend to be more focused on their majors.
 
  • #33
Jokerhelper said:
To be fair, I'm pretty sure in most places in Europe students take an extra year in high school, while their university degrees are usually 3 years long (13 years of primary and secondary school + 3 years of university, compared to 12 years + 4 years of university in North America). So in a way, their last of high school is sort of equivalent to our year of general studies. Because of this, their degree programs tend to be more focused on their majors.

As far as I know, one starts primary school in the year they turn 5. Then there's a total of thirteen years of schooling, meaning that one ends high school at 18. In the US, 5 year olds start at kindergarten, yes?
 
  • #34
As far as I know, one starts primary school in the year they turn 5. Then there's a total of thirteen years of schooling, meaning that one ends high school at 18. In the US, 5 year olds start at kindergarten, yes?

Kindergarten is kind of like day-care. Not too much happens there.
 
  • #35
homeomorphic said:
Kindergarten is kind of like day-care. Not too much happens there.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #36
I'm from Europe Jokerhelper, and I didn't have an extra year in high school, nor do I know of any other country in Europe that does.

EDIT: didn't see the other posts but oh well
 

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