I never realised it back then, but now

[SPYazdani]

Back when I was in high school, learning mathematics, I didn't understand how valuable mathematics is. I've now come to realize that you can't learn maths by some recipe that your teacher taught you, but rather grasping the concept, visualising what is happening, understanding the symbols and eventually being able to find problems and solve them based on the knowledge you've gained.

I'm now a 27 year old undergrad (made some bad choices in my life and fallen over a few times, which are unsuitable for discussion in these forums), studying Telecommunications Engineering at a University in Sydney. I've just finished Maths for Engineers 3 this semester which discussed 4 main topics: Random Processes, Complex line integrals, Partial Differential Equations and Fourier series and Transforms. It wasn't until I finished Maths for Engineers 2 where I realized that maths is actually enjoyable and not just a boring chore.

While I was in high school, I didn't pay much attention to what was going on. I didn't make the connections that they were trying to teach me and I just simply brushed maths off as a boring plug and chug subject. Now after finishing Eng Maths 3, I've gained an appreciation for the past mathematicians and the brain power that they had to come up with new concepts and methods to solving problems, eg Fourier, Euler and many more.

I've thought about moving into a pure maths course but don't know where to start. I now understand how maths can be enjoyable and how it can benefit us. The problem is, I feel as if I am 15 years behind and need to catch up.

Last year, I found my dad's old Algebra book and Trigonometry book and started reading from beginning to end, attempting the problems and checking my solutions. I've been doing this for the past year or so on my weekends and whenever I get a spare moment.

What do I do? Drop the maths and continue with B Eng (Telecommunications) or drop the Telecomms or continue what I am doing and do both and see where I end up when I graduate?

Any/all advice appreciated.

 

[Someone1987]

I think the big question here is do you still like Telecommunications Engineering? If you find that you are starting to care less and less about the subject to the point where you don't see yourself being happy at all doing it, then I would say make the switch to math.

If however you find that you enjoy both subjects, then keep the Telecommunications Engineering and take as many math courses that you find interesting (and can fit into your schedule) in addition to your engineering courses.

Also, based off the topics you listed for your Math for Engineers course, you don't seem 15 years behind the times to me.

Hope this helps!