MAICHI said:
Your modelling and computing subjects seems to be much lower than the pure math subjects. Is applied math very different to pure? Any tips and warnings for a first year math student?
That's perceptive of you. There are a number of reasons for the difference:
1. COMP doesn't scale and is stingy with the HDs even if you are ranked highly
2. In 2nd yr, you have a theoretical stats and applied stats subject in s1 and s2 respectively - theory of stats & linear models. Applied stats is light on rigour but stress a lot on interpretation which is reflected in the easy assignments. However, the exam is lot harder (it actually tests you on theory). Also, I have a feeling that it wasn't scaled at all because there were too many ppl doing Higher.
3. Well, I haven't done many Applied ones yet but from what I can see, Applied teaches you the techniques and makes claims under which conditions those techniques can be applied (without answering any of the difficult questions like existence, convergence, etc). 2nd yr Pure really isn't like 3rd yr Pure which requires constructive proofs. It's more like Applied except with a more detailed discussion of the technicalities.
4. Tips:
You won't have to do MATH2910 as they have completely revised the Maths courses.
Consider doing ordinary level Complex Analysis in s2 if the number theorist Dr MH teaches. He aint that good at teaching.
Applied and pure require more work than Stats. In particular, the 3uoc Higher DEs is a pretty hard course (it's probably worth at least 6uoc). It's one of these courses that does a lot of hand waving (lots of claims, little explanation, little intuition).
Also, most 2nd yr courses are core so you don't have much choice.
All in all, the harder the course, the better you'll do because you'll be motivated to learn.
