Miscellaneous courses to take?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the selection of additional courses for an engineering student, particularly in the context of pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering and mathematics. Participants explore the relevance of various classes, including CAD, advanced mathematics, and technical communication, as well as the balance between academic knowledge and practical experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to take miscellaneous classes that could benefit their engineering education, specifically mentioning CAD.
  • Another participant questions the motivation behind pursuing degrees in both engineering and mathematics, asking for clarification on the specific field of engineering.
  • Some participants argue that a strong foundation in mathematics, including calculus and differential equations, is essential for engineers, particularly in aerospace.
  • There is a suggestion that while many engineers do not need to go beyond calculus 3 and differential equations, having a deeper understanding of math could be beneficial for problem-solving.
  • One participant emphasizes that the necessity of advanced math depends on the specific engineering discipline, noting that electrical engineers may require different mathematical skills compared to aerospace engineers.
  • Concerns are raised about the opportunity cost of pursuing advanced math degrees versus gaining practical work experience in engineering.
  • A recommendation is made for taking a course in technical drawing before CAD, highlighting the importance of universal skills over specific software training.
  • Participants discuss the importance of technical communication skills and programming in engineering education.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of advanced mathematics for engineering, with some advocating for a strong mathematical background while others argue that it may not be essential for all engineering fields. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the balance between academic pursuits and practical experience.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the relevance of certain math courses may depend on the specific engineering discipline, and there is uncertainty about the practical application of advanced math in engineering careers.

Miike012
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I am going to school currently to get a degree in engineering. I want to get a masters in engineering and possibly a bach in mathmatics, then later on get a masters in math aswell.

My question is... are there any miscellaneous classes that I should take that can benefit me?
For instance on the ASU's layout for engineers it did not suggest that I should take CAD, but and engineer said that I should take CAD. Are there anyothere random classes that someone thinks I should take.
And any opinions would be appreciated...

Ps. I am going into my second semester of college, so I really have not taken many classes, and I am willing to take in consideration the classes anyone says will benefit me.

Thank you.
 
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Why do you want degree in Engineering and Math? Also any specific field of engineering?
 
I feel like inorder to be a good engineer one must have a very strong base in math. I was thinking about aerospace.
 
A very strong base in math is learning up to calculus 3 and Differential Equations. A well rounded course in Linear Algebra is good too. Most engineers never go past that, why? It's not needed to secede in their field. A few engineering degrees require a good course in Partial Differentials, I would suggest this for Aero.

Now if you want to do the math degrees for personal interest go ahead, otherwise you're just wasting your time.

A
 
crazyisraelie said:
A very strong base in math is learning up to calculus 3 and Differential Equations. A well rounded course in Linear Algebra is good too. Most engineers never go past that, why? It's not needed to secede in their field. A few engineering degrees require a good course in Partial Differentials, I would suggest this for Aero.

Now if you want to do the math degrees for personal interest go ahead, otherwise you're just wasting your time.

Er... no.

The question depends a lot on what kind of engineer. EEs need things that mechanical engineers don't. Complex variables would be good for EEs, DE/PDE would be good for pretty much anything.

The less useful "pure math" subjects like real analysis are probably what "crazyisraeli" means by "waste of time." However, such subjects are highly interesting if you're into math.
 
I want to be an aerospace engineer.
The reason I want to learn more than the math that is needed is because I know math is very important and the better understanding I have in math and the more I know about math will make me a better engineer.
 
fss said:
Er... no.

The question depends a lot on what kind of engineer. EEs need things that mechanical engineers don't. Complex variables would be good for EEs, DE/PDE would be good for pretty much anything.

The less useful "pure math" subjects like real analysis are probably what "crazyisraeli" means by "waste of time." However, such subjects are highly interesting if you're into math.

That was a generalized comment, hence why I said MOST engineers. MOST Engineers do not need past calculus 3 and Differential.

Aerospace doesn't seem to need anything past Calculus 3 and Differential As well. There is no need besides your own personal interest and no having a great understand of pure math is great and all. It won't make you a better engineer.
 
maybe your right, what if it doesn't make me a better engineer. But what if there is a problem that I came across as an engineer and can't figure it out because my math is limited?
I still think that having a great base in math will make me stick out from the others... Then again I really don't know anything about what an engineer does so who am i to say.
 
Miike012 said:
maybe your right, what if it doesn't make me a better engineer. But what if there is a problem that I came across as an engineer and can't figure it out because my math is limited?
I still think that having a great base in math will make me stick out from the others... Then again I really don't know anything about what an engineer does so who am i to say.

I'm doubtful you'll ever experience that. And please don't waste your time with math degrees unless you REALLY want one for personal interest.
 
  • #10
I don't understand why if I am going into a field that deals with math that I wouldn't want to know as much math as possible? Anyways... I really do like math, do you know any fields that would be good that deal with math other than being a teacher?
 
  • #11
Miike012 said:
I don't understand why if I am going into a field that deals with math that I wouldn't want to know as much math as possible? Anyways... I really do like math, do you know any fields that would be good that deal with math other than being a teacher?

You don't seem to understand. Engineering does deal with math, but some don't use it past learning it. Some like Electrical or Computer do use some abstract math, but at the same time others like Aerospace greatly use Calculus 3, but only a bit past it.

Engineering isn't as based in math as it is in physics.
 
  • #12
Miike012 said:
I want to be an aerospace engineer.
The reason I want to learn more than the math that is needed is because I know math is very important and the better understanding I have in math and the more I know about math will make me a better engineer.

While that may be true, you have to keep in mind that the amount of time required to learn more advanced math skills, which you may or may not get to use as an engineer, comes at the opportunity cost of years of potential working experience you could have gained in that period of time. If your ultimate goal is to be a "better engineer," you have to assess whether or not extra math knowledge is worth more than the additional work experience. I don't want to discourage you from studying more advanced math if that's your interest, but I think it's important you are aware of this.

Back to your question: before even taking a course in AutoCAD, I would recommend you take a course that involves technical drawing. I think the skills you would learn (ex.: how to represent a real or imaginary object on a sheet of paper, what features are important to show, dimensioning etc.) would be far more universal than studying a specific drafting software. Also, keep in mind that many engineering firms use more advanced software than AutoCAD to complete their drafts, so you would likely receive training by the firm anyway.

In general, I would advise you make sure your school's program includes at least one course in technical communication. If it doesn't, then make sure you study this as a option. My professor once told me that knowing how to effectively communicate a great idea is just as important as coming up with the idea itself. And while I'm still a student without any great ideas (yet! :smile:), I can definitely see how this is true after taking my first design course. Technical reports are no joke.

Finally, make sure you do some work with programming. Courses in engineering economics and in science and society can also be useful.
 

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