I am starting my Math bachelors degree next week, any pointers?

You'd be better off asking on a mathematics forum or a student forum. My knowledge is outdated, but I recall E-Kreyzig "Advanced Engineering Mathematics" has exercises/explanations on all standard undergrad calculus techniques for computing integrals and derivatives.

Since it's still called calculus rather than "analysis", I suspect you won't need Principles of Mathematical Analysis for at least one year. :P

I only did two years of university maths and then my focus became computing science. There wasn't much pure maths in my course mostly applied maths. Learn the formulas, learn when to use each one. Substitute the correct values for the variables involved and get the correct answer. You probably don't have to know the equations from first principles until 3rd year. My general advice would be work hard and work often. Cancel your social life or reduce its flame to a small peep. Focus on the main goal of getting the best grading possible in your degree. Then after your sacrifices, and after you have the qualification you want, go have some fun.

Quoting Zolenskify

but this class will be more pure math, and less real-life application.

I had a great prof, but didn't listen in class. I studied the textbooks off-class, then went to class to take the quizzes, exams, and submit homework. (Participation was graded, lol). The way I learn did not fit with the way he taught it, but I had no complaints.

Reply to fdrake Cool, thanks.

Reply to universeness Noted, thank you.

Reply to Caldwell Sounds good, thanks.

Quoting Zolenskify

looking for some pointers.

1. don't be afraid to say "I don't understand" or to ask stupid questions.
2. Keep a sugary snack handy as brain food.
3. Have loads of fun!
4. Ignore me and listen to fdrake.
5. Congratulations!

Hello Z. I retired as professor of mathematics at a branch of a state university over twenty years ago, so its possible the undergraduate curriculum has changed a little since then. Since you belong to TPF I assume you have an inquisitive mind and are good at the math you have used. That will make your academic journey much more pleasant. What university are you attending? That could make a difference in my advice. Are you of typical age for a freshman in college, or older?

Do you have an end goal in mind? It should be easy to find a teaching job at the high school level with a BS, but an academic career at the college level much more problematic. And I don't know what opportunities there are in private businesses and government, although I suspect they exist.

I received a math BS in 1958 from a large state university, went into the USAF and studied meteorology, becoming a weather officer, then went back to school for an MA in math, taught for three years at a small college, and finally a PhD in 1971. I would have been better off academically had I gone straight through, but I was not that dedicated at the time.

You will have to take a number of courses in various areas of math, some of which you will enjoy, but others not so much. To go all the way through a doctoral program requires many more math courses, increasingly difficult. Again you would like some but not others. I only felt like a real mathematician when I reached the point where I could actually explore ideas that intrigued me and do original research. So that career path is long and hard.

So, tell us a bit more about yourself (if you are willing to do so). :cool:

Quoting unenlightened

4. Ignore me and listen to fdrake.

But if they do that, they'll be following your advice, right?

Reply to jgill

The one guy I know with a math PhD got recruited by one of the tech giants as he was finishing his dissertation for pay I am guessing has to be somewhere around that of a pro athlete. Not a star by any means, like a league minimiumish MLB bench player, but still above what you'd expect for a new dentist or Big Law attorney. I guess they are quite aggressive for some skillsets.

Not totally sure what he does, something with creating new algorithms. I think he had wanted to teach originally. I had no idea it was so in demand. AI specialists even more so; new PhDs are getting offered $500k to begin, and the stock options portion could grow a lot in this market. The established folks are fetching non-bench athlete salaries, but I hardly think that's the norm lol, and honestly if you're cutting edge in that area your share of a patent is probably the big money maker.

Might be a boom and bust like 90s programers though.

Anyhow, I would think if you enjoy mathematics and philosophy, then courses in logic would be pretty interesting.

Quoting Count Timothy von Icarus

Not totally sure what he does, something with creating new algorithms. I think he had wanted to teach originally.

Universities are increasingly using adjunct faculty, which is a travesty since the pay is extremely low and no benefits. Of course, if you are brilliant and get your doctorate from Princeton or the like there are ample opportunities. These days new faculty tend to be recruited from other math departments.

Reply to unenlightened Ok, thanks a lot.

Reply to jgill Certainly, I go to Salisbury University, a smaller school in Maryland, USA, and I am Junior - age 21. Plan on attending University of Baltimore Law School in Fall of 24.' The Space Force interested me as an alternative. Thanks a lot for the advice.

Reply to Pierre-Normand Check, dark's move.

Reply to Count Timothy von Icarus Interesting, I will look into these, thank you.

Quoting Zolenskify

Certainly, I go to Salisbury University, a smaller school in Maryland, USA, and I am Junior - age 21. Plan on attending University of Baltimore Law School in Fall of 24.' The Space Force interested me as an alternative. Thanks a lot for the advice

I had a friend my age in the Air Force who had a BS in math, and he was an intelligence officer who planned to go to law school after his tour. He did and was quite successful I recall. (Math 215 might be a good option for a law career) :cool:

Quoting jgill

I received a math BS in 1958 from a large state university, went into the USAF and studied meteorology, becoming a weather officer, then went back to school for an MA in math, taught for three years at a small college, and finally a PhD in 1971.

Quoting jgill

I retired as professor of mathematics at a branch of a state university over twenty years ago

Quoting jgill

I only felt like a real mathematician when I reached the point where I could actually explore ideas that intrigued me and do original research.

You have achieved a great deal in your life and I'm sure you continue to do so.

Reply to jgill I'll look into it, thanks again for the advice.