STORM2K

How hard is calculus and calculus based physics if you passed statistics in college with an A and made B's in Algebra, and an A in AP Physics in high school? I want to study meteorology so bad...I am in school now but for something different. I am thinking about declaring a double major just so I can take some of the classes they offer.

The calculus may not be as hard as working the equations that you have to in the Met Courses like Dynamics.

Steve

My theory is that if you want to be something bad enough, you will find a way to get through whatever is thrown at you. If you need to get tutors, go to supplemental instruction, do extra work in order to understand a concept or whatever you need to do to pass the class you will do it if you want it.

I say you have to at least give it a try... Take the calculus courses and good luck!

Push yourself..... Its only hard if you say its hard.

The calculus wasn't the hard part, it's just the start. Differential equations and partial differential equations are harder. Atmospheric dynamic courses are tough. Lots of physics, too. You really need to be a math whiz to make it. There's only so much tutoring can do. Our freshman class started out with 50-60 and i graduated with 7 others in 1980 at A&M. Two of those work with me today at my current company.

I actually did better in differential equations than I did either Calc II or III; most students here also were the same as me in believing the diff. eq was better than at least Calc III. I don't know about having to be a math whiz in order to make it either, as I still believe that if you want to make it and you can study your butt off you can likely make it through.

I can say though that you are right in how the class size will definitely drop as you go through, my current class at Iowa State started out with around 30 and we are now juniors with about 16.

Well, perhaps not a "math whiz", but if you're below-average in math then you'll really have to work your butt off to make it through all hte math courses and dynamics/physics courses that also have a lot of high-level math.

The good news is that since I graduated 27 years ago I haven't had to use a single Calculus or Differential Equations formula to make a forecast.

I was below average in mathematics. In high school and college, I struggled for passing grades. Oddly enough, I ended up in an occupation that is nothing but numbers. What happened was that at some point I began to enjoy the task of problem solving on paper and then seeing it through field application.

I say go for it......but I would not declare a double major.

Really declaring a double major doesn't do much, besides letting you take some of the classes that they offer only to majors. I would definitely begin by taking their introductory courses that just do some general stuff getting you used to the program. If you would like, PM me the information on what school you are going to, etc. and I can help you out if you would like in choosing some courses that will 'ease' you into it to see if you'll enjoy it and get through.

Calc isn't too bad. I stopped after Calc II and went for geography instead of meteorology. After you get the formulas and equations and what not it's just "plug and chug."

That's how I remember Calc. Plug and chug.

I can't answer anything about anything higher then Calc II, though.

I took Cal way back in the 70's. Have not used it since, heck I hardly ever balance my check book these days. I agree with the others. Study hard and you should pass. I remember writing the integrals on flash cards to help me memorize them. I was a wiz at the slide rule though. Still have my old slide rule. I should offer it to the local museum.......MGC