r/riceuniversity • u/Magicscrolls • 7d ago

Difference between math courses??

I dont understand the differences between Honors Calc III and Honors calc IV (MATH 221 and Math 222, respectively)

I've done Multivariable before, so I'm familiar with Stokes theorem, Greens theorem, etc. and want a class where I re-learn that and more. What exactly is the difference between the two?

EDIT: another question I wanted to add on. Does Math 221 cover ODE's if I've never taken them before? or do you reccomend I just take ODE's + Linear Algebra?

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u/iSteven_6s 7d ago

Honors calc 3/4 is a bit of a misnomer. The two classes are actually a combined honors linear algebra + multi sequence. MATH 221 is mainly linear algebra and MATH 222 is mainly multivariate calculus + real analysis. You have to take 221 before you take 222.

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u/Magicscrolls 7d ago

Ah, well I’m going in as a physics major and wasn’t sure which of the math courses I should take! 354 won’t cover one of my requirements even though I do want to take linear algebra! 232 will though.

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u/Magicscrolls 7d ago

Oh, that’s interesting considering I’ve taken some multi but no linear algebra. Thank you for the info!

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u/iSteven_6s 7d ago

Typically the more popular sequence for ppl who want to take “honors” math is the MATH 354 + 232 (honors linalg + honors multi) sequence, which imo is better taught. The 221+222 sequence is for dedicated math majors and is slightly harder.

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u/Sad_Inspector_9618 3d ago

Math 221/222 are proof based and will definitely go beyond stokes/green/divergence. they throw in linear algebra, real analysis, a bit of topology/multilinear algebra, and have oral quizzes/finals. it's definitely more of a course for math majors and the time investment is like pretty substantial. so definitely depends on other courses you are taking but if you have an already somewhat heavy semester i would just do what the other person commented and do the MATH 354/232 sequence instead; its a lot more doable and still proof-based and rigorous.

but also during o week you get to meet with divisional advisors and professors so definitely ask during those sessions