What are the prerequisites for pursuing multiple engineering disciplines?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the prerequisites for pursuing multiple engineering disciplines, focusing on the necessary mathematics and science background. Participants explore various textbooks and resources for learning from basic math to advanced topics relevant to engineering, including calculus and physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • D'Anthony M. Fischer inquires about the math and science prerequisites for engineering, specifically requesting textbook recommendations from Algebra I through Differential Equations.
  • Some participants suggest checking engineering department websites for course syllabi and recommended textbooks.
  • Others express that the level of math knowledge is unclear and emphasize the importance of knowing one's current level before seeking resources.
  • imthekuni shares personal experiences and recommends specific textbooks for calculus and physics, including Stewart's Early Transcendentals and Resnick, Halliday, Krane Physics.
  • There is a discussion about whether the recommended calculus book covers all three levels of calculus or if there are separate books for each level.
  • Some participants caution that many algebra textbooks may not be relevant for engineering applications and suggest looking for books that bridge the gap between high school and college-level math.
  • One participant mentions that very few engineers regularly solve differential equations in their careers, questioning the necessity of mastering this topic for all engineering fields.
  • D'Anthony M. Fischer clarifies their current level of math as Pre-Calculus and expresses a desire to study multiple engineering disciplines, including Electrical, Mechanical, Nuclear, Molecular, Computer, and Astronautical Engineering.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the feasibility of mastering multiple engineering disciplines, suggesting that it may be unrealistic to pursue six different types of engineering simultaneously.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to selecting textbooks or the necessity of mastering certain mathematical concepts for various engineering fields. There are differing opinions on the practicality of pursuing multiple engineering disciplines.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding one's current math level and the potential for different engineering branches to require varying levels of mathematical proficiency. There is also mention of the availability of resources for self-study, but no specific consensus on which textbooks are universally applicable.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for high school students or individuals considering a career in engineering who are seeking guidance on foundational math and science resources, as well as insights into the feasibility of pursuing multiple engineering disciplines.

  • #31
DAnthony.Fisc said:
Well, I would like to (and will) be, an Electrical, Nuclear, Computer, Molecular, Mechanical, and Astronautical Engineer.
The goal to be an engineer in 6 disciplines is rather impractical. Each of these engineering fields encompasses numerous specialties. For example, one can do electrical systems or instrumentation and control in nuclear or aerospace, or one can do mechanical/structural engineering in nuclear or aerospace. Molecular engineering is considered a specialty in chemical engineering or nano-engineering, and one would likely need to specialize in certain subfields.

It would be more practical to pursue one, perhaps two fields, and more importantly become proficient in the selected fields. Nuclear + mechanical, mechanical + aerospace, electrical + computer, . . . . are reasonable pairs. Aerospace + nuclear might work if one is interested in nuclear propulsion systems, but then there is little demand for that field since there is no viable program at the moment for nuclear propulsion despite positive statements from organizations which promote such ideas.

In these six disciplines, what applications or areas of most interest? In other words, what does one find interesting in electrical engineering? nuclear engineering? computer engineering?
 

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