Shouldn't engineering majors have as strong of a background in math

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the mathematical background required for engineering majors, particularly in electrical engineering, and whether it should be comparable to that of mathematics majors. Participants explore the adequacy of the mathematical curriculum in engineering programs and the necessity of rigorous mathematical training for engineers.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that their electrical engineering curriculum does not provide a rigorous treatment of calculus, suggesting that a good engineer should have a strong mathematical foundation akin to that of math majors.
  • Another participant counters that calculus is merely an introductory topic for mathematics majors and that many enter college with prior knowledge, implying that the depth of study in mathematics is not essential for engineers.
  • A third participant agrees that while they can perform advanced mathematics, they do not require the same depth in areas like number theory or analysis, emphasizing the practical application of math in engineering rather than theoretical understanding.
  • A later reply reiterates that most electrical engineers do not need the level of rigor found in mathematics, suggesting that while a rigorous approach may enhance understanding in specific research areas, it is not necessary for general engineering practice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the necessity of a strong mathematical background for engineers. Some argue for a rigorous mathematical foundation, while others maintain that practical skills are more relevant.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the relevance of advanced mathematical topics and the rigor of engineering curricula, indicating a lack of consensus on the essential mathematical training for engineers.

Minhtran1092
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mathematics (on the subjects of calculus, linear algebra, differential equation) as math majors? It seems like my electrical engineering curriculum doesn't give calculus proper treatment. It basically had me learn how to do computation but never led me on to study calculus rigorously (as one would do in a "Real Analysis" course). Would you agree that any good engineer is a mathematician?
 
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No...calculus is just the baby steps of a mathematics major's undergraduate experience. In fact some come into college with calculus already behind them...
 
I also do not agree. I will be able to do more advanced math than plenty of non-engineers, but I won't have or need a strong background in number theory, analysis, and proofs that a mathematician must have to succeed. My job will be to create devices, not theorems.
 
Minhtran1092 said:
mathematics (on the subjects of calculus, linear algebra, differential equation) as math majors? It seems like my electrical engineering curriculum doesn't give calculus proper treatment. It basically had me learn how to do computation but never led me on to study calculus rigorously (as one would do in a "Real Analysis" course). Would you agree that any good engineer is a mathematician?

No. The vast majority of electrical engineers really don't need anything near the level of rigor that a mathematician would see. A lot of them don't even need all the math they learned throughout their degree. Personally, I think the rigorous approach to EE math is interesting can help to provide a deeper understanding, and it's probably useful in some areas of engineering research (maybe like random noise/signal processing?) but I certainly wouldn't say that a rigorous approach to mathematics is necessary for being a good engineer. The amount of benefit most engineers would get from a rigorous approach to math is very small, I think, when compared to the amount of extra work required.
 

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