Math Suggestion for EE Student - Sandy

AI Thread Summary
An electrical engineering student specializing in electromagnetics, RF, and microwaves seeks recommendations for additional mathematics courses beyond the required calculus sequence at their university, USask in Canada. The discussion highlights the importance of various advanced mathematics topics for a solid foundation in the field, including vector calculus, linear algebra, ordinary and partial differential equations, complex analysis, and numerical methods. Participants emphasize that while the student's calculus courses cover essential topics, further study in these areas can significantly enhance their understanding and capabilities in electromagnetics and related disciplines. Comparisons are drawn with other universities, such as UVic and UBC, which have more extensive math requirements for engineering students, indicating a trend towards a more rigorous mathematical background in engineering programs.
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Hello all,
I am an EE student exceptionally interested in specializing in Electromagnetics, RF and microwaves. Can anyone suggest a mathematics course that is not a required course at my University. For example. the requred courses are Calculus I, II, III and IV. I want to ensure that I have capable background.
Regards, Sandy.
 
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If your calc classes were light on vector calculus then take a course on that. I don't know what Calc IV is or how far you went in in it.
 
Almost any type of mathematics would be an asset, the trouble is limited time.
Of particular interest would be
-linear algebra
-ordinary differential equations
-partial differential equations
-greens functions
-transform methods
-numerical methods
-boundary value problems
-complex analysis
-real analysis
-harmonic analysis
-Fourier analysis
-vector analysis
-tensor analysis
-differential forms
-differential geometry
-algebraic topology
 
You are doing EE and they don't require basic Complex Analysis or Linear Algebra? Wow.

Hopefully, one of your Calc courses listed was actually a differential equations course. Otherwise, that is very important as well.

Is it intrusive to ask which school this is?
 
Hello,
I go to USask, in Canada. I'll provide a little description of each class.

Calc I: A review of basic algebraic concepts, trigonometry and functions. An introduction to limits and differential and integral calculus, max-min problems, curve sketching, related rate problems. Specifically for students in the College of Engineering.

Calc II: Differentiation and integration of inverse trigonometric functions, exponential, hyperbolic and logarithmic functions with applications. Techniques of integration; applications to work, pressure, moments and centroids. Polar co-ordinates and parametric equations of plane curves; complex numbers.

Calc III: Vectors and coordinate geometry in 3- space; vector functions and curves; partial differentiation; applications to partial derivatives; multiple integration.

Calc IV: Vector fields; vector calculus; ordinary differential equations; sequences, series, and power series.

Thanks!
 
Interesting. Here in BC it seems that more math is the norm:

Here is UVic base engineering requirements:
http://web.uvic.ca/calendar2011/FACS/FoEn/BoEnaBoSEAR/BaBSPR.html

Here is UBC first year:
http://www.engineering.ubc.ca/current_students/undergraduate/first_year/index.php
And further for EE:
http://www.ece.ubc.ca/academic-programs/undergraduate/programs/electrical-engineering-program

Both require separate courses in linear algebra, ODEs, Numerical Methods and Stats but I was wrong about Complex Analysis being common.

I am not an engineer but, hopefully your Calc IV covered enough ODEs. Other EEs will be able to tell you more about what is most useful to your interests.
 
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