Which is the harder math class: Differential Geometry or Real Analysis?

[BamBam215]

So far I think Real Analysis is one of the toughest subjects for me. I have an option of taking Differential Geometry next semester or pick another class but I really don't know much about it. Here's a course description from the catalog.

Structure of curves and surfaces in space, including Frenet formulas of space curves; frame fields and connection forms; geometry of surfaces in Euclidean three space; Geodesics and connections with general theory of relativity. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

Anyone have an opinion on this course?

 

[stonecold3169]

Real analysis is harder by a landslide. I've taken both, along with complex analysis 2, abstract algebra, abstract linear algebra, and number theory... real analysis is a much different beast, and is much more outside the box then the differential geometry. You'll be fine taking it if you can handle the proof based courses.

 

[Semidevil]

I hate real analysis...it is kicking my butt now....and so is abstract algebra. Abstract linear algebra was kicking my butt too, so I dropped that class....

I think real analysis is one of the toughest class, so probably anything is easier then it.

 

[Chaotic42]

What are you guys majoring in?

 

[Darien]

I've only heard my classmates complain about real analysis...

so I'll take a guess and say that's harder.

 

[BamBam215]

Originally posted by: stonecold3169
Real analysis is harder by a landslide. I've taken both, along with complex analysis 2, abstract algebra, abstract linear algebra, and number theory... real analysis is a much different beast, and is much more outside the box then the differential geometry. You'll be fine taking it if you can handle the proof based courses.

I noticed that in the course description, it doesn't mention about writing proofs. Every course that requires proof writing specifies it in the description. So from your experience, what kind of a course is DIfferential Geometry? Is it a lot of analyzing, a lot of computing, or is there actually proofs?

BTW, the pre-req for Diff. Geometry is Differential Equations which seems kind of odd.


And oh yeah, basically I'm trying to figure out my elective. I have one math elective left and I'm debating if Diff. Geometry is a good choice. I want to relax on my last semester

 

[eLiu]

real analysis is HARD...im taking it right now..it's hard. that's all i can say...it's so hard...lol

my other classes are a joke comparatively (im a freshman)

at least my univ, real analysis is reputed to be one of the most difficult undergrad math courses...if not the most difficult

 

[BamBam215]

Originally posted by: eLiu
real analysis is HARD...im taking it right now..it's hard. that's all i can say...it's so hard...lol

my other classes are a joke comparatively (im a freshman)

Tell me about it. I took 1st year real analysis last semester. I have to take the 2nd year real analysis next semester. Most math majors wait til the end to take it since it's so hard.

 

[eLiu]

What book do you guys use? We're using Rudin's Principles of Mathematical Analysis...this thing is so dense and compact (ha ha topology...ha ha im lame). But seriously Rudin is a tough book...the proofs are all very elegant, there's no fluff, and the exercises are difficult...weee

what a kicker for a freshman math class. Luckily first semester at my school is pass/no record

 

[BamBam215]

we're using intro to real analysis. can't remember the author off the top of my head but it's a green little book. probably one of the easier real analysis book in terms of explanations, examples, and comprehension.

 

[stonecold3169]

I'm telling you guys, real analysis is nothing in difficulty compared to abstract linear or abstract algebra... those courses will make your head spin. At least real analysis you have a background in (calc 1-3, diff eq), abstract linear you have some minor background in, but I'll be damned if before or after abstract algebra I ever played with rings again *shudder*