Mathematics: September 2004 Archives

Is driving me nuts. The last block ie

Analysis B

is trying to cover so much ground so fast I have hardly got time to catch my breath. This is in part due to my preparation ie

MST121
MS221

These courses are meant to be adequate preparation for M203 but having just started reading.

Hardy G. H: A Course of Pure Mathematics.
Courant R: Differential and Integral Calculus Vol. 1

they seem to spend a lot more time on the fundamentals of calculus ie limits and functions than I ever did previously. Hardy's book is very explanatory but hard to follow and deserves some concentration but so far I have found the first few pages a treat to read. I like the way "he preaches to the cannibals" which is just what I need.

I am not sure if MST121 and MS221 are enough preparation for M203. I have done very well in all of my coursework but my algebra is just not up to scratch. I can tell this when I am reading some of the material and they appear to make leaps from one bit to another. If you are thinking about doing M203 or the next course M208 then make sure that you have a good grounding in algebra. The best arena for brushing up on your algebra or at least for me is "real analysis" particularly sequences limits and series.

I have decided I won't be attempting Complex Analysis M337 next year because my algebra is just not hot enough yet. I will do it in 2 years time when the course runs again. Its a shame because I really wanted to do M337 next year.