Taking D.E. and Applied Calculus for Engineers Together?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of taking two engineering mathematics courses, Applied Ordinary Differential Equations and Applied Advanced Calculus, concurrently with Electromagnetism (E&M) and possibly Materials Science. Participants share their experiences and opinions regarding the course load and its manageability.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the overall course load, questioning whether it would be too heavy to take both math courses alongside E&M and possibly Materials Science.
  • Another participant notes that without knowing the full schedule, it is difficult to assess the workload, emphasizing that personal capacity varies.
  • A third participant shares their own experience of taking Differential Equations and Calculus III together, stating that they did not find the load too heavy, but it depends on the professors and homework assignments.
  • One participant seeks clarification on whether E&M refers to introductory or upper-level physics, suggesting that the latter would require a stronger background in vector calculus and differential equations.
  • Another participant encourages taking both math courses, noting the absence of Laplace transforms in the differential equations course description but assuming they would be covered.
  • The final participant confirms they are referring to introductory E&M and decides to proceed with the courses based on the feedback received.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the course load is too heavy, as opinions vary based on personal experiences and the specifics of individual schedules. Some express confidence in managing the courses, while others highlight the subjective nature of workload assessment.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of information about other courses being taken, individual study habits, and the variability in teaching styles and homework expectations from different professors.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a similar course load in engineering mathematics and physics, as well as those seeking advice on managing concurrent courses in STEM fields.

ZenOne
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I would like to know if the following would be too heavy while taking E&M and possibly Materials Science.

ENGR 213 Applied Ordinary Differential
Equations (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MATH 204 (Cegep Mathematics 105)
previously or concurrently; MATH 205 (Cegep
Mathematics 203). This course introduces engineering students to the theory and application of
ordinary differential equations. Definition and ter‑
minology, initial-value problems, separable differential equations, linear equations, exact equations,
solutions by substitution, linear models, orthogonal
trajectories, complex numbers, form of complex
numbers: powers and roots, theory: linear equations, homogeneous linear equations with constant
coefficients, undetermined coefficients, variation of
parameters, Cauchy-Euler equation, reduction of
order, linear models: initial value, review of power
series, power series solutions, theory, homogeneous linear systems, solution by diagonalisation,
non-homogeneous linear systems. Eigenvalues
and eigenvectors. Lectures: three hours per
week. Tutorial: two hours per week.


Alongside:

ENGR 233 Applied Advanced Calculus
(3 credits)
Prerequisite: MATH 204 (Cegep Mathematics
105); MATH 205 (Cegep Mathematics 203). This
course introduces engineering students to the
theory and application of advanced calculus.
Functions of several variables, partial derivatives,
total and exact differentials, approximations
with differentials. Tangent plane and normal line
to a surface, directional derivatives, gradient.
Double and triple integrals. Polar, cylindrical,
and spherical coordinates. Change of variables
in double and triple integrals. Vector differential
calculus; divergence, curl, curvature, line
integrals, Green’s theorem, surface integrals,
divergence theorem, applications of divergence
theorem, Stokes’ theorem. Lectures: three hours
per week. Tutorial: two hours per week.


Please note that I have taken (and am rather comfortable with) Linear Algebra.

Bottom line: would the semester be too heavy?

Thanks in advance for any responses.
 
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Without knowing what else you are taking, no one will be able to tell you if the schedule will be too much (additionally, no one will ever be able to tell you if something is too much for you personally -- this is something that you need to measure for yourself).

That being said, taking two math courses along side one another is not generally an issue. It is also relatively common for people to take these two courses together (intro diffeQs, and calculus III -- this is presumably what these two courses are. Copying and pasting a course description is rather vague, given that the prerequisite numbers mean nothing out of context. That's what they look like, though).
 
Last Fall I took both Differential Equations and Calculus III at the same time and judging from these course descriptions it looks like that is what you're planning on taking also. I personally didn't consider the course load too heavy but it really depends on your professors and how much homework they assign.
 
ZenOne said:
I would like to know if the following would be too heavy while taking E&M and possibly Materials Science.

ENGR 213 Applied Ordinary Differential
Equations (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MATH 204 (Cegep Mathematics 105)
previously or concurrently; MATH 205 (Cegep
Mathematics 203). This course introduces engineering students to the theory and application of
ordinary differential equations. Definition and ter‑
minology, initial-value problems, separable differential equations, linear equations, exact equations,
solutions by substitution, linear models, orthogonal
trajectories, complex numbers, form of complex
numbers: powers and roots, theory: linear equations, homogeneous linear equations with constant
coefficients, undetermined coefficients, variation of
parameters, Cauchy-Euler equation, reduction of
order, linear models: initial value, review of power
series, power series solutions, theory, homogeneous linear systems, solution by diagonalisation,
non-homogeneous linear systems. Eigenvalues
and eigenvectors. Lectures: three hours per
week. Tutorial: two hours per week.


Alongside:

ENGR 233 Applied Advanced Calculus
(3 credits)
Prerequisite: MATH 204 (Cegep Mathematics
105); MATH 205 (Cegep Mathematics 203). This
course introduces engineering students to the
theory and application of advanced calculus.
Functions of several variables, partial derivatives,
total and exact differentials, approximations
with differentials. Tangent plane and normal line
to a surface, directional derivatives, gradient.
Double and triple integrals. Polar, cylindrical,
and spherical coordinates. Change of variables
in double and triple integrals. Vector differential
calculus; divergence, curl, curvature, line
integrals, Green’s theorem, surface integrals,
divergence theorem, applications of divergence
theorem, Stokes’ theorem. Lectures: three hours
per week. Tutorial: two hours per week.


Please note that I have taken (and am rather comfortable with) Linear Algebra.

Bottom line: would the semester be too heavy?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Do you mean E&M as in Electromagnetism(upper level physics) or Electricity and Magnetism(intro E&M)? This really hinges on my advice. I'm going to assume its the latter because I doubt you would be able to enroll(or would even have a chance of surviving) if you aren't versed in vector calculus and differential equations.

Anyway, I would take both of those math courses. I am surprised the differential equation course doesn't have Laplace transforms in its description though...I'll also assume this is covered in the course because you can basically say goodbye to having to solve many of those equations with their each individualized method.

The Advanced calculus course sounds exactly like Calc 3. This class along with differential equation will build a strong foundation for you. I say go for it!
 
You are correct--it IS introductory E&M. I will go for it--thank you all.
 

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