I'm a BS Physics major in my last year. I've got Calc 1-3, ODE, some PDE and vector calc under my belt. I want to take one more math course that applies to engineering. What should I take? (linear algebra, stats, numerical analysis etc...)
2007-06-22 06:53:13 · 7 answers · asked by smacal1072 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
If you want to be a civil or mechanical engineer you really need a class in Finite Element Analysis.
But since your physics you probably want to be an electrical engineer. If my assuming is right, you would benefit from a Complex Analysis class and it should probably be easy for you beause you have PDE's.
In my final contingency, if you are thinking about manufacturing engineering then it is critical that you have at least one intensive statistics course.
2007-06-22 07:23:57 · answer #1 · answered by J w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seems like you got very good line up for Electrical Engineering. Numerical Analysis is taught as an Engineering course in my school. According to the degree plan, Linear Algebra is a good help, and definitely Stats. Since all the math classes I took applied to Engineering degree, I took couple more to have a Math minor. I didn't like Discrete Math, though some Comp Sci people might say otherwise.
2007-06-22 08:36:12 · answer #2 · answered by Feb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Linear algebra is probably your best bet here. That is very often an area that engineering students are lacking in. However, stats can be very useful and is used in experimental analysis. Numerical analysis is useful too, but the others are probably better to have if you cant take all 3.
2007-06-22 07:03:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend stats. If you get a good prof, then he will improve your reasoning and evaluation skills.
As a BS, you will probably want to get an MS, or maybe an MBA. A PhD is nice, but not worth the money in today's job market, altho needed for teaching.
The math that you take depends on the engineering that you're interested in. Most Engineers in industry work as Systems Engineers. There are lots of other engineering disciplines, but they can be grouped generally as probelm solvers in the Systems Engineering realm.
If you want to explore something on the forefront, look into Engineering Economics. This is NOT the economics of engineering, so be careful when you look it up. No, it is the balance and trade of engineering decisions, using the tools of economics.
Interesting tidbit: the only folks who know more math than mathematicians ... are Economists ! Physicists typically learn only the math that they need for their speciality, even if it is hydropneumatics, Quantum, or Gravity... but they deal with real data. Economists have to learn all of these math methods to build their models... because they don't always have reality and data to start with... they try to extrapolate from the model to reality.
2007-06-22 07:19:41 · answer #4 · answered by hanksimon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the stats course to give you a head start in reliability engineering. Chances are you will never use linear algebra or numerical analysis in day-to-day engineering.
2007-06-22 07:04:01 · answer #5 · answered by dr_tom_cruise_md 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take either linear algebra or numerical analysis. Stats aren't eused much on a day-to-day basis in most engineering disciplines.
I took both LA and NA in college (along with all the others you mentioned, except PDE). NA has come in handy on occasion.
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2007-06-22 07:00:43 · answer #6 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely complex analysis or numerical analysis if you only can only take one class. Linear algebra would be appropriate too if you're not already familiar with it. I would recommend complex variables though.
2007-06-22 06:59:01 · answer #7 · answered by Not Eddie Money 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋