When I studied engineering (electronics) during my Masters thesis in Musicology, it took about one week to figure out that Calculus was not what I was going to use my time on. This was discussed with my lecturers in electronics and programming, and to my surprise they agreed.
Thanks to the people in the administration of that particular university college (Høgskolen i Vestfold) I could quit those topics that was looked upon (by me that is) as not so very relevant, and go for those topics that I needed, and still need.
I do indeed need math and physics, but books and links are more efficient than hours of irrelevant math-lectures. To me it seems like some math professionals love the fact that their topic is hard for students, in fact so hard that many students can’t get through exams. Ego. Many students, me being one of them, has to put more effort into irrelevant math than any other topic, only to get through a c(o)urse that we do not need. This is not because we are stupid, but because logic strikes hard when time is spent on something we do not need…. This is, in my opinion, not right.
I am almost out on a rant here, so I’ll keep it simple: Those who teach mathematics in the irrelevant manner, should know better. Keep it relevant!
Now I have found someone who can speak out with authority and put things where they belong: Please – if you find math interesting that is – have a look at this presentation over at Ted’s.
Cheers
Arve.