What math to learn after differential eq. and linear algebra?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical courses that may be beneficial for a student pursuing a degree in chemical engineering after completing differential equations and linear algebra. Participants explore various mathematical fields and their relevance to engineering applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that no additional math courses are necessary for an undergraduate chemical engineering degree.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of numerical analysis for simulating processes and solving complex models, recommending self-study of partial differential equations and Fourier analysis for advanced transport phenomena.
  • A different participant advocates for exposure to statistics, particularly for its application in process controls and statistical analysis.
  • Some participants recommend focusing on chemical engineering classes while considering numerical analysis or scientific computing as a potential additional math course.
  • One participant expresses interest in exploring available courses in numerical methods and numerical analysis offered by their school.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions, with some advocating for additional math courses like numerical analysis and statistics, while others argue that further math may not be necessary for the degree. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of further mathematical study.

Contextual Notes

There are varying assumptions about the relevance and necessity of additional math courses based on individual educational paths and career goals in chemical engineering.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in chemical engineering or related fields considering their mathematical education and its applications in engineering contexts.

worryingchem
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Hi, I'm currently studying to become a chemical engineer.
After learning differential equation and linear algebra, I've realized how useful they are in my engineering courses since they make setting up equations and solving them so much easier. So I was wondering if there are other math that would be useful for me to take, like maybe statistics, discrete math, or abstract algebra?
 
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As far as an undergraduate chemical engineering degree is concerned, you don't need any additional math courses.
 
Numerical analysis is a must, it is necessary for simulating processes or solving some advanced models which are very hard or impossible to solve analytically. Most of the modelling done in industry is numerical, not only because of the complexity of some models, but it also saves a lot of time. Still, I also recommend you study basic partial differential equations on your own, maybe even some Fourier analysis, it wouldn't hurt, and it's useful for modelling advanced transport phenomena analytically.
 
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worryingchem said:
Hi, I'm currently studying to become a chemical engineer.
After learning differential equation and linear algebra, I've realized how useful they are in my engineering courses since they make setting up equations and solving them so much easier. So I was wondering if there are other math that would be useful for me to take, like maybe statistics, discrete math, or abstract algebra?
You should get exposed to statistics if nothing else to be familiar with the terms. Process controls involve the use of statistical analysis.

https://controls.engin.umich.edu/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Check out Section 3 for more information on statistical process controls in a ChemEng environment.
 
I would say your best bet at this point is to focus on ChemE classes (I don't think anyone is expecting you to take anymore math) but if you want to take another math class, like MexChemE said, I would find some numerical analysis/scientific computing class. I would expect any school with an applied math department to offer some flavor of this subject, so it would be best to check in your school's applied math department.
 
Thank you everyone for the advises.
I'll look over these topics and see what I can use as study materials. Also, my school does offer a Numerical Methods in ChemE course and a Numerical Analysis for Mathematical Computer Science course so I'll check these out.
 
PDE's!
 

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