Summer Math Study for Engineering Grads

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around summer math study strategies for engineering graduates preparing for graduate school. Participants explore whether to review previous math courses or to branch out into new topics, particularly focusing on discrete math and number theory. The conversation includes personal experiences and recommendations for self-study resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether to review past math courses or explore new areas, specifically mentioning interest in discrete math and number theory.
  • Another participant suggests checking the curriculum of the upcoming graduate program to identify any knowledge gaps.
  • A participant recommends self-studying from "Concrete Mathematics," highlighting its focus on discrete topics suitable for engineering students.
  • There is a mention that "Concrete Mathematics" does not cover all areas of discrete math, such as combinatorics or graph theory, suggesting the need for a more general resource.
  • One participant indicates they will be taking their first calculus course over the summer, differing from self-study approaches.
  • Another participant prompts discussion about the recommended textbooks for the upcoming courses as a way to prepare in advance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying preferences regarding study approaches, with some advocating for self-study and others focusing on course recommendations. No consensus is reached on the best method for summer study.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific math topics and resources, but there is no agreement on which approach is superior or necessary for success in graduate studies. The discussion reflects individual preferences and experiences rather than a unified strategy.

Who May Find This Useful

Engineering students preparing for graduate school, particularly those interested in enhancing their mathematical skills over the summer.

typer91
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I'm an engineering major who is about to graduate from an undergrad program and will be entering grad school in the fall. I'm interested in doing some sort of summer study of math, though I'm not sure whether I should do a review of the previous math courses that I've taken during my undergrad years or branch out into something completely new to get a head start on some of the things that I might see later on in grad school.

I've previously taken (multi-variable) calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and discrete math. If doing a review, I would lean more towards discrete math since the topics from the class I had seemed very interesting, though what would be some recommendations for further pursuing number theory or discrete math?

Also, has anyone previously done a self study or a partner study over the summer? If so, how did it work for you?
 
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Anyone up for doing this?
 
What type of grad program will you be entering? DId you go to that school as an undergrad? If not, look on their website to see what their students would have learned, and make sure you don't have any holes. If you have no holes, then it can depend a lot on what you are studying, what your interests are, and how much you really want to do this summer...
jason
 
I'm going to be entering as a master's student in computer engineering. I'm prepared to do a lot this summer since I have a bit of spare time. Any suggestions on how I should plan a summer study?
 
typer91 said:
I'm going to be entering as a master's student in computer engineering. I'm prepared to do a lot this summer since I have a bit of spare time. Any suggestions on how I should plan a summer study?

It sounds like you would profit from self studying from Concrete Mathematics. Mostly discrete stuff, light on proofs (as suits engineering rather than mathematics), but serious work.
 
Thanks for the recommedation! Is anyone else out there doing a self study this summer? I'm wondering if it would be better to study with others.
 
I will be doing my first calculus course this summer, so not necessarily self study.
 
IGU said:
It sounds like you would profit from self studying from Concrete Mathematics. Mostly discrete stuff, light on proofs (as suits engineering rather than mathematics), but serious work.

Concrete Mathematics is not a general discrete math book, there are topics it doesn't cover for example combinatorics or graph theory.

So for a more general book, I'll choose the one below for being encyclopedic and rigorous. You can find a preview on Google Books, just search for it. The Amazon reviewers don't like it so much but this is for review and you are heading into grad school now. Knuth is valuable for the more arcane topics that it covers as well as for the getting-your-hands-dirty approach that it follows.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0072880082/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
Last edited by a moderator:
What courses will you be taking next year? What textbooks are recommended for those courses? Why not make a head start on the recommended texts?
 

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