Introduction to Differential Equations is, in my mind, the most useless mathematics course in the history of math (No offense to anyone who enjoyed the class). I took this class my first semester here and I still don’t know what possessed me to take it. I only needed Calculus I and II and I placed out of both with the Advanced Placement exam. Nevertheless, I took the class, received my “A,” and retired from mathematics for pretty much the rest of my life.
I am a little disappointed that I won’t see math ever again because I loved math when I was younger and I thought I would use it more often than I do now. However, the problem solving skills that you can gain from mathematics are valuable, despite popular belief. I have been able to carry skills over to other more scientific subjects, such as physics and chemistry. Differential equations, especially, require a systematic approach to mathematical problem solving, which is an important skill to have in other classes such as, oh, I don’t know, Organic Chemistry. It is imperative to keep that skill sharp especially since Organic Chemistry is more beneficial to my career than Differential Equations will ever be.
There will be so many required classes that make you wonder, “What were these people smoking when they put this into the curriculum?” A prime example is the recent addition of Introduction to Biology to many of the engineers’ and architects’ curriculums. Speaking from a biology major’s perspective, Introduction to Biology has nowhere near the complexity necessary for biology majors. This class was definitely designed for the non-biology majors.
On the other hand, we are entering an age where we need to conserve for the sake of the environment and the life forms in it. The oil crisis is an important issue today that we are feeling the effects of politically, as well as financially. Introduction to Biology may be a stepping stone to understanding these environmental issues. In other words, this is where the future is. Notice the recent advantages in the research on hybrid vehicles, alternative fuels, solar power, and cloning. These require the skills of not only scientists, but also engineers and architects.
You may be reading this article in your Intro to Biology class and not paying attention whatsoever, but just try to learn something from this class and all the other classes that you might deem “useless.” There is at least one decent reason that RPI is making you take the class, besides torturing you. Additionally, you are spending three to six hours per week in this class and paying a considerable amount of money to take it. You never know when the information or the skills you gain from it may come in handy someday.
