Appreciation of real analysis/abstract algebra among science professors

[Simfish]

What % of professors in, say, physics, would be familiar with real analysis/abstract algebra/topology? What about, say, the material in senior level CS courses?

How about professors in astrophysics, theoretical biology, earth/atmospheric sciences, and chemistry?

 

[zahero_2007]

I do not think biologists know real analysis or abstract algebra at all

 

[hadsed]

I'm not an expert biologist, but I would think that the most difficult mathematics they have to be comfortable with is differential equations.

 

[flemmyd]

it really depends on what field of biology. ecology would probably need to differ eq as population dynamics are modeled by differ eqs.

although some areas of biology boarder physics or something. structural biology, for example, would involve plenty of quantum mechanics (the therefore the math needed). just look up biophysics. and a lot of protein modeling is basically theoretical physics/chemistry.

 

[rezeew]

I can appreciate the value and importance of real analysis and abstract algebra in various scientific fields. These mathematical concepts are fundamental in understanding and analyzing complex systems and phenomena in the natural world.

In terms of the percentage of professors in physics who are familiar with real analysis, abstract algebra, and topology, it would likely be a high percentage. Physics is a highly mathematical field, and these concepts are often taught and applied in undergraduate and graduate courses. In fact, many physics professors have a strong background in mathematics and may have even studied real analysis and abstract algebra in their own research.

In senior level computer science courses, there may also be a high percentage of familiarity with these mathematical concepts. Computer science, especially in areas such as algorithms and data analysis, heavily relies on real analysis and abstract algebra. Therefore, it is likely that a majority of computer science professors would be familiar with these topics.

In other fields such as astrophysics, theoretical biology, earth/atmospheric sciences, and chemistry, the percentage of professors who are familiar with real analysis and abstract algebra may vary. These fields may not have as strong of a focus on mathematics as physics and computer science, but there are certainly applications of these concepts in these fields. Therefore, it is possible that a significant portion of professors in these fields would also be familiar with real analysis and abstract algebra.

Overall, while the exact percentage may vary among different scientific fields, it is safe to say that a considerable number of professors in various scientific disciplines would be familiar with real analysis and abstract algebra. These mathematical concepts play a crucial role in understanding and advancing scientific research, and it is important for scientists to have a strong foundation in these areas.