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Andrew Au

Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
258 Answers
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Joseph’s Avatar
Joseph Jun 07 994 views

Advice for a mature student part-time PhD?

Having previously finished my studies at Masters level and after spending a number of years in industry in operational technical roles, I've started doing more research work and found myself underqualified for research positions, having not originally completed a PhD. I'm fortunate that my...

Aileen’s Avatar
Aileen May 29 412 views

For my freshman year, should I take AP Precalc AB or BC? If BC, should I take Multivariable Calc & Lin Alg or just AP Stats for my junior year? If I take AB, that means I will most likely take Calc BC in 11th grade, which doesn't sound too appealing. The idea is if I'm taking BC, I could directly go on to Calc BC for sophomore year, so I could have my 11th grade year easier and just take AP Stats instead. However, I'm just worried it will be too much to handle.

I'm currently a rising freshman and I've taken all previous math classes before.

Dario’s Avatar
Dario May 18 117 views

math cuetions?

How can I study for classes like math?

Mia’s Avatar
Mia May 17 726 views

What would be a good method to get in a good college ur university?

I would like to get in a good college or university, but im not really that good at math or science so what would be a good method to get in a good universitie or college that wont really involve those two clases?

Angeline Marie’s Avatar
Angeline Marie May 11 272 views

Math differences?

I'm an 8th grader . Is high school math really hard or different than in middle school ?

Nora’s Avatar
Nora May 11 263 views

What carrer can I choose if I am good on Math?

What carrer can I choose if I am good on Math, but I dont want to live doing only math in that job I want it to have other topics like science ect.

Shiloh’s Avatar
Shiloh Apr 29 307 views

Is doing a dual degree worth it?

Any tips for someone considering a dual degree? I'm going to college for physics soon (focusing on astrophysics), and I'm thinking about getting a nuclear physics or engineering degree with it. I'm a bit worried about the workload, considering I'm working to put myself through college. Does...

Jay’s Avatar
Jay Apr 30 320 views

How useful is a minor in physics?

I am studying mechanical engineering to obtain a bachelor's degree, but I am considering studying astrophysics for my master's. Is the minor in physics worth it?

Michelle’s Avatar
Michelle Apr 29 125 views

What tips would you give to a college freshman in biomedical physics ?

I'm starting this fall and I'd like to be prepared beforehand. #Spring26

Sofia’s Avatar
Sofia Apr 23 218 views

How do I pass discrete math when I transfer from community college? #spring26

I got into Cal Poly SLO and I'm still waiting on UCSD!

Kaden’s Avatar
Kaden Apr 25 218 views

How difficult is it to become an astrophysicists, and is it worth it?

On average, how much schooling is required for this profession? If one were to graduate with a bachelor’s in physics, is there a specific degree for astronomy to pursue when going to grad school? Is the field in demand nowadays? While I have a passion for the field and that’s the reason why I...

Jackson’s Avatar
Jackson Apr 23 219 views

How can I catch up on math to prepare for a STEM college major?

I didn't do very well in high school math, but I want to pursue a STEM major in college. How can I start building my math skills?

Christian’s Avatar
Christian Apr 14 163 views

Passing PreCalculus College Math?

I will soon be attending Anne Arundel Community College, pursuing an associates in biology. Unfortunately, I am unable to start my science classes due to my math placement, so i'm instructed to take additional math. As someone that isn't well versed in math, how could I best be prepared to pass...

Nicholas’s Avatar
Nicholas Apr 23 131 views

How do I contact professors for undergraduate research experiences as a prospective physics major, and what should I include in my email to professors?

I have no research experience and am hoping to gain valuable research skills that will help me on my path to graduate school (hoping to eventually pursue a graduate degree in physics).

Kyla’s Avatar
Kyla Apr 23 170 views

What are some recommendations for getting through a statistics course when math is not your best subject #Spring26?

Study tips

Zaylee’s Avatar
Zaylee Apr 15 352 views

What are the main classes that are required in order to get a bachelors' degree in electrical engineering? #Spring26

For extra context, I plan on going to Western Carolina University in the fall of this year. I will be a freshman.

Eden’s Avatar
Eden Apr 16 501 views

How do you find out what you will major in? What are the advantages of going to college as undecided as an incoming college freshman

What are the risks you need to take to dual or even triple major. I am going to college undecided and I have a wide range of interests and I am really overwhelmed by what the future holds. I am passionate about math and biology; however, I really don't know how to utilize my likes into an...

Livia’s Avatar
Livia Apr 15 296 views

How do I start re-learning math?

I've struggled with math all my life. I haven't had a proper math class for a while, and I've practically forgotten everything. How do I start re-learning algebra/stats so I can develop the math skills I need for college?

Alejandro’s Avatar
Alejandro Apr 12 551 views

Is it worth doing unpaid internships, or should I avoid them? #Spring26

I know internships are useful in career progression, but I am not sure if they are worth if they are unpaid.

Shekhar’s Avatar
Shekhar Apr 12 598 views

How can I connect my Financial Mathematics major to real-world finance careers and projects?

I am an undergraduate sophomore student majoring in Financial Mathematics, and lately I have been feeling a little lost. I genuinely enjoy mathematics and feel confident in understanding logical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical ideas. However, I often struggle to see how these...

Adama’s Avatar
Adama Apr 07 284 views

How good do your math skills need to be to be a forensic scientist? #Spring26

I’m a current high schooler who’s interested in majoring in chemistry, physics, some type of engineering, or forensic science. I’m aware that I’ll need algebra and/or calculus for those other majors, but what about forensic science? What’s the highest level of math I’ll need, algebra? I’m...

monica’s Avatar
monica Mar 30 625 views

Getting my associates degree in mechanical-engineering ?

hello! I was just wondering how hard is the math for mechanical engineering is .... it kinda scares me. I have a bachelors degree in psychology already. just trying to figure out how realistic is is for me. && im looking to get my associates and stop there. Is that a bad idea?

CareerVillage Office Hours’s Avatar
CareerVillage Office Hours Mar 27 868 views

Should I pursue Computer Science, Physics, or Architecture if my goal is to become an astronomer but job prospects are limited in my country?

I am a freshman student in Ethiopia currently facing a difficult decision regarding my major. I am writing to seek advice from professionals who might have experience in these fields or in navigating career paths in developing regions. Currently, I am enrolled in Computer Science, but I am...

Ava’s Avatar
Ava Mar 25 623 views

I am doing Physics undergraduate degree currently, and I want to do my postgraduate degree in Aerospace engineering. Mostly in abroad universities, so what can I do to get enrolled Like what are the extra courses i need to take while doing my current degree to bridge the gap between physics and aerospace engineering degree? And also, how can I boost my profile to be qualified to get into abroad universities for Aerospace engineering postgraduate degree after completing a physics undergraduate degree ?

How to get into aerospace engineering postgraduate degree in abroad universities after completing physics undergraduate degree in india?

Laila’s Avatar
Laila Mar 25 296 views

I want a career in an area that involves space-related physics. What kinds of jobs are available besides a general astrophysicist or astronomer?

I want to be in a field that is physics dominated, but I am not entirely interested in common fields like engineering.

Laila’s Avatar
Laila Mar 24 137 views

I want to become an astronomer. What kinds of high school courses would look good to a college, and what do future jobs look at when hiring?

I am 16 years old, and I love anything to do with space and physics. I really want a career in the area.

Jesus’s Avatar
Jesus Mar 20 841 views

What math class do I take my senior year of high school? Statistics or College Math Prep?

I'm not good at math I am having trouble deciding what math to take. What I have heard and what my counselor told me is not to take college prep math because its not "right" for me and its "really" easy math. Colleges will like better to see Stats but i've heard stats is easy but also hard...so...

joseph’s Avatar
joseph Mar 16 299 views

I have to choose between AP stats or AP calulus for a career in where i dont tjink calulus is required?

For me i want to do something away from math and formulas and sorts of engineering work but, i want to also pick AP calc because i know the teachers and the way they teach and i know i had better grades because of them.

Justin’s Avatar
Justin Mar 16 655 views

What should I consider when choosing between AP Statistics and AP Calculus (in highschool)?

I am still exploring my careers and interest but I'm leaning more into like business, finance related thingsand foods & service.

Aditi’s Avatar
Aditi Mar 15 318 views

What activities can I do to increase my physics skills?

I am a rising high school junior and have a little less than a month before I start my classes again, are there any activities that I can do meanwhile?? I have interest in Quantum physics ( starting from scratch but I love to learn on my own)... Something that can a useful and help me increase...

Aaron’s Avatar
Aaron Mar 13 360 views

What math classes should I take next year, AP Calculus or AP Statistics??

I'm not sure what I want to do in the future and I know math will be apart of my career somehow.

Anthony’s Avatar
Anthony Mar 04 507 views

How does it feel in the daily life of an aerospace engineer ?

Hi, my name is Anthony. I am in 8th grade, soon heading to high school, and I would like to know what path I should take throughout high school to become an aerospace engineer. I have always had a deep interest in space travel and flight shows, and I want to improve and design spacecraft and...

Nicholas’s Avatar
Nicholas Jan 30 567 views

Which science should I take next year?

I am undecided for college what science should I take in senior year highschool

Emily’s Avatar
Emily Jan 16 2966 views

What are the best subjects to take to get involved in laboratory sciences?

I just wrote my IGCSE and I’m considering taking up the 6th form

London’s Avatar
London Jan 15 1660 views

Why is it hard to do math?

I'm in 7th grade and my first semester I had an A in math but now I have an F and I'm always under stress and I'm getting panic attacks because of it. I'm even writing this in math right now and I'm freaking out. Is there any way to make it more fun?

Lillian’s Avatar
Lillian Jan 10 5837 views

What is the best choice of major/ career for me? (math and physics based)

I am a 16 year old high school junior (and am planning on going to college) and I have always been interested in fields like nuclear science and astronomy. I am open, and not restricting myself to the fields above, since I do not know exactly what would be the best path for me. -I really want...

Gavin’s Avatar
Gavin Nov 30, 2025 630 views

In which ways will mathematics, specifically pure mathematics, be affected by technological advancements (e.g. machine learning, quantum and high-performance computing)?

How will a future mathematician's career be modified by use of AI for high-powered computation? How with the philosophical approach of pure mathematics change with greater implementation of machine learning?

Tawina’s Avatar
Tawina Nov 29, 2025 992 views

What study techniques must a college student acquire in order to succeed in advance math or science classes?

I'm a student at a community college pursuing an engineering associate's degree. Recently, I've been struggling with classes that involve complex math or science concepts. Examples of such classes are multivariable calculus and general physics with calculus. Also, I’m a slower learner, and it...

Wayne’s Avatar
Wayne Nov 22, 2025 1693 views

What kinds of jobs can you get with a Physics degree?

And what advice would you give to an incoming Physics student, if that's the degree you went for?

krishna’s Avatar
krishna Nov 20, 2025 1658 views

What are the industry jobs you can get with an astrophysics degree?

I’ve seen a lot of people say that it’s possible to get an industry job after getting your physics degree, just wondering what are the types of jobs you could typically get

Aaden’s Avatar
Aaden Nov 20, 2025 662 views

How can I prepare myself for a career in radiography when I’m worried about whether I’ll actually find a job in the field? #Fall25

How can I prepare myself for a career in radiography when I’m worried about whether I’ll actually find a job in the field? I’m also nervous about how hard the transition to college-level science and math classes will be what should I expect?

Abigail’s Avatar
Abigail Nov 11, 2025 600 views

What should I do for graduate school ?

Would it be beneficial for me to work for 1-3 years as a clinical data analyst with a bachelor's degree then attend graduate school to earn my masters, or should I attend graduate school directly after college? I am currently majoring in statistics for my undergraduate degree, and will...

Riya’s Avatar
Riya Oct 24, 2025 1146 views

My school offers 3 difficult math courses: AP Calc AB, AP Calc BC, and AP Stats. I want to be an engineer, but instead of taking the harder math route (ends in calc bc), I chose to take the easier math route (Calc ab+stats) is this bad, or will colleges consider the fact that I still have 2 hard math courses (some kids in my school took all 3 courses) ?

Junior interested in engineering

Lisa’s Avatar
Lisa Jul 31, 2025 2445 views

How can I brush up on my Math fundamentals for a college assessment ?

I need to brush up on my Math fundamentals for a college assessment help

Masego’s Avatar
Masego Jun 27, 2025 4530 views

How Big Is Astronomy in South Africa Really?

Hi, I'm Masego, an 11th grade learner at Mabothe Secondary High School, and I'm super interested in astronomy. I've always been fascinated by science, and I think it all started when I watched documentaries on the Da Vinci channel about famous scientists like Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla,...

Hayden’s Avatar
Hayden Jun 25, 2025 4179 views

If I want to be an aerospace engineer or a physicist is it worth it to get two bachelor's degrees (one in physics and one in engineering) Or would it be better to get one bachelor's degree and one graduate degree??

I am a sophomore in college at a liberal arts school that has the option of a 3+2 dual degree engineering program.

Tanisha’s Avatar
Tanisha Jun 19, 2025 2549 views

Publish Stats report?

I have a 20 page statistical report that I crafted from the data collected from my area on nutritional intake and my hypothesis was looking into relations between household income and dietary quality of the residents. I met the statistical conditions for the data to be credible and reliable,...

Minahil’s Avatar
Minahil May 30, 2025 1505 views

What do I need to know to be ready for DE Precalc?

I am taking DE Pre-calc in my junior year of high school. What do I need to know? I have heard that algebra is necessary, but what specific topics are necessary for doing well in pre-calc?

Matthew’s Avatar
Matthew Apr 25, 2025 1229 views

What are some careers that utilize both math and computer science?

I am a high school senior who is planning on double-majoring in math and computer science in college. I've heard about careers in math and computer science respectively, such as being a mathematician or a programmer, but I was wondering if there are any careers that utilize both of my passions.

Aaishah’s Avatar
Aaishah Apr 23, 2025 658 views

How can I be successful with my PhD?

I'm going to Texas A&M for a Math PhD this fall.