Schools Boost Your Grad School Success with Math: A Chemical Engineer's Perspective

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The discussion centers on the challenges faced by an undergraduate chemical engineer considering a switch to chemistry or materials science/engineering. The individual expresses a strong dislike for proofs and theoretical math, questioning the necessity of continuing with real analysis given their focus on applied math. They highlight their interest in practical applications of mathematics, particularly in areas like matrices, and seek advice on whether to pursue further theoretical courses. Key topics of interest include partial differential equations, vector calculus, multiple integrals, and Fourier series/transforms. The individual acknowledges exposure to some advanced concepts like Hilbert Spaces but believes there may be more beneficial courses available that align better with their interests in applied mathematics.
yaganon
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I'm an undergrad chemical engineer. I may switch to chemistry or materials science/engineering. I've taken abstract algebra, which sucked a lot. I should have taken the other professor's section.

Anyways, I hate proofs. I'm wondering if I should continue math with real analysis. I heard that some people in grad school have to take undergrad math courses because they needed it, but haven't taken them in college. I don't think I will be needing anymore theoretical math, since I hate proofs and I don't need them for research in engineering.

On the other hand, I LOVE applied math. The things you can do with matrices are very interesting to me.

Can I have some suggestions
 
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Some important topics I think are

Partial Differential Equations
Vector Calculus
Multiple Integrals
Fourier Series/ Transforms
Matrices/ Eigenvectors/ Eigenfunctions/ Eigenvalues

This is just some of the mathematics that I have covered in my physics degree to date.

Real analysis does include some topics like Hilbert Spaces, which I have come across. But it seems to cover convergence and limits of sequences and things like that. I reckon there are better mathematics courses you could take.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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