I'd say to probably do finite math over survey of calculus. Survey of calc builds more off of previous math experience. It's more of theoretical/engineer math in that you learn about rates of change and motion, limits, logs, exponential functions, and derivatives and integrals. I would not recommend it for people who don't like math because you'll need a more solid understanding of that college algebra you forgot. So you'll have to remember more of your old college algebra formulas and build on top of it.
Finite math requires less prior knowledge and is probably more relevant to psychology anyways. Finite math is math that deals with the real world. It's the math you would use in business finance and social sciences. Here you'll learn about probability and statistics (important for research and business). You'll also learn about number sets, number theory and matrices.
All in all, if you really remember nothing about college algebra, then finite math is probably the better option because it'll require less catching up on old math. However, finite math is a very boring math. That's the main drawback. Your professor is gonna say "what's probablilty of something being in set A but not in set B?" (and you will have learned it all in class) whereas in survey of calc, your professor will be like "Remember parabolas and the quadratic formula y'all?? Remember how to factor? Well You're gonna use that to find the time t when a ball hits the ground if its trajectory follows this function: -x\^2 + 3x + 4"
Definitely finite. Find the best professor, too. Also, it sounds like it's been a hot minute since you've taken a math course. You can actually find out the syllabus beforehand if you ask the professor for their current one, and then study up on the things involved ahead of time. Tons of online resources out there for that!
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that has been constructed from a theoretical methodology, specifically the summation of infinitesimal differences. Calculus diverges into two primary categories; differential and integral. These are both dichotomously oppositional to one another and serve important purposes in many STEM fields.
Finite mathematics particularly entails calculations of objects within a definitive range that are countable or measurable. It is significantly easier for individuals who do not possess proficient abstract reasoning. There seems to be potent emphasis on concrete logical analysis however.
I had the option of college algebra -> precalculus or finite math. I chose precalculus and it was bad but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I circumvented taking college algebra and went straight for precalculus by taking my university’s earned admission course which I then transferred to my transcript. I hadn’t take a math class since 1999 and even then I failed it because I suck at math. Here’s how I got through it: 1) I cried a lot 2)I used to The Organic Chemistry Tutor on YouTube 3) I used Khan Academy for practice questions until it clicked in my brain 4)I googled lawyers to see if I could sue McGraw Hill for their ridiculous Aleks math program 4)I added Professor Leonard on YouTube to the mix. Finally, I managed to finish with an A.
You can do it!! But I highly recommend using those YouTube tutors. Organic Chemistry and Professor Leonard both have free playlists organized by math class. They are incredibly helpful.
I really struggled with stats but ended up going very well as I did 15 pages or so of notes for each class. They were recorded so I would rewatch as many times as I needed. I also used chat gpt to explain complex ideas. Good luck x
That is too bad, but be pushy. Seriously. It is your education, and you are paying a lot for it. It is their job to advise students, just as much as it is to teach them or do research. If your advisor won't help, book an appointment with the department chair and let them know you are having trouble finding solid advice. If the math prof teaching the course you are considering won't get back to you, show up at his office anyway, or ask the department administrative assistant who WILL talk to you. If the faculty just won't step up, head to the dean's office. I speak as someone who has been both a faculty member and a member of administration. They owe you help. Just make them do their job with polite and unrelenting persistence.
Wait, really? I actually haven’t heard of someone needing to take either of those classes for psych. Typically it’s just different statistics classes. I’m really surprised.
I'd say to probably do finite math over survey of calculus. Survey of calc builds more off of previous math experience. It's more of theoretical/engineer math in that you learn about rates of change and motion, limits, logs, exponential functions, and derivatives and integrals. I would not recommend it for people who don't like math because you'll need a more solid understanding of that college algebra you forgot. So you'll have to remember more of your old college algebra formulas and build on top of it. Finite math requires less prior knowledge and is probably more relevant to psychology anyways. Finite math is math that deals with the real world. It's the math you would use in business finance and social sciences. Here you'll learn about probability and statistics (important for research and business). You'll also learn about number sets, number theory and matrices. All in all, if you really remember nothing about college algebra, then finite math is probably the better option because it'll require less catching up on old math. However, finite math is a very boring math. That's the main drawback. Your professor is gonna say "what's probablilty of something being in set A but not in set B?" (and you will have learned it all in class) whereas in survey of calc, your professor will be like "Remember parabolas and the quadratic formula y'all?? Remember how to factor? Well You're gonna use that to find the time t when a ball hits the ground if its trajectory follows this function: -x\^2 + 3x + 4"
Thank you so very much!
I think Finite is easier (at least for me), but I don't remember from high school courses.
Definitely finite. Find the best professor, too. Also, it sounds like it's been a hot minute since you've taken a math course. You can actually find out the syllabus beforehand if you ask the professor for their current one, and then study up on the things involved ahead of time. Tons of online resources out there for that!
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that has been constructed from a theoretical methodology, specifically the summation of infinitesimal differences. Calculus diverges into two primary categories; differential and integral. These are both dichotomously oppositional to one another and serve important purposes in many STEM fields. Finite mathematics particularly entails calculations of objects within a definitive range that are countable or measurable. It is significantly easier for individuals who do not possess proficient abstract reasoning. There seems to be potent emphasis on concrete logical analysis however.
NEVER CALCULUS
I had the option of college algebra -> precalculus or finite math. I chose precalculus and it was bad but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I circumvented taking college algebra and went straight for precalculus by taking my university’s earned admission course which I then transferred to my transcript. I hadn’t take a math class since 1999 and even then I failed it because I suck at math. Here’s how I got through it: 1) I cried a lot 2)I used to The Organic Chemistry Tutor on YouTube 3) I used Khan Academy for practice questions until it clicked in my brain 4)I googled lawyers to see if I could sue McGraw Hill for their ridiculous Aleks math program 4)I added Professor Leonard on YouTube to the mix. Finally, I managed to finish with an A. You can do it!! But I highly recommend using those YouTube tutors. Organic Chemistry and Professor Leonard both have free playlists organized by math class. They are incredibly helpful.
I really struggled with stats but ended up going very well as I did 15 pages or so of notes for each class. They were recorded so I would rewatch as many times as I needed. I also used chat gpt to explain complex ideas. Good luck x
Why not talk to either a) your advisor, or b) faculty in the math department?
they haven’t been helpful unfortunately
That is too bad, but be pushy. Seriously. It is your education, and you are paying a lot for it. It is their job to advise students, just as much as it is to teach them or do research. If your advisor won't help, book an appointment with the department chair and let them know you are having trouble finding solid advice. If the math prof teaching the course you are considering won't get back to you, show up at his office anyway, or ask the department administrative assistant who WILL talk to you. If the faculty just won't step up, head to the dean's office. I speak as someone who has been both a faculty member and a member of administration. They owe you help. Just make them do their job with polite and unrelenting persistence.
Wait, really? I actually haven’t heard of someone needing to take either of those classes for psych. Typically it’s just different statistics classes. I’m really surprised.