I am working towards a B.S. in Computer Science and I have to take a math elective. I am thinking about taking either Calculus III or Linear Algebra. Which math class do you think is better to take for a CS major?
If Calculas III is the third semester of calculas then I would have have to say Linear Algebra. A few graduate CS programs require LA as an entrace requirement, but I've never seen a program that requiremes more than a year of calculas. If on the other hand, Calculas III is the third course in a quarter system, then you should absolutely take the calculas course. Appart from their usefulness as academic credentials, I personally feel that LA is more useful.
I agree with Linear Algebra. There are a fair number of CS applications that use matrices heavily. Very few use multi-variate calculus.
Linear Algebra, and if you are truly desperate, pick Modern (or Abstract) Algebra with a great number of applications in artificial intelligence and general computing, if you are planning to become a researcher.
Speaking as someone with a math degree (and 39 hours of computer science) and having worked in software engineering for embedded systems and in information technology, It may be in your best interest to take both. Linear Algebra has more direct computer application (matrixes and what not) however if you plan on getting into programming engineering type applications, then Calc III could come in handy. On the other hand if you are only doing business type applications (financial/accounting type software, risk analysis, reporting, etc) then it shouldn't really matter which. HTH, cbryant
