What's the Difference between Calculus and Engineering Calculus?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differences between standard calculus and engineering calculus, particularly in the context of switching majors from chemistry to chemical engineering. Participants explore the implications of these differences for academic prerequisites and course content.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the difference between calculus and engineering calculus, seeking clarification on prerequisites for a major switch.
  • Another participant suggests that engineering calculus may be a course designed for science and engineering majors, contrasting it with calculus intended for business or social sciences.
  • Some participants mention that there are math courses tailored specifically for engineering students, though they do not specify if these are labeled as "Calculus."
  • It is proposed that engineering students likely need engineering calculus, while students in chemistry or biology may only require standard calculus.
  • A participant advises checking course descriptions and syllabi from the university catalog to understand the differences in content and textbooks used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific differences between calculus and engineering calculus, and multiple viewpoints regarding their content and applicability remain. The discussion is unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of specific course descriptions or syllabi, which may clarify the distinctions between the two types of calculus. Participants rely on generalizations and personal experiences rather than definitive definitions.

distilled16
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I would like to switch my major from chemistry to chemical engineering; however there has been some discussion that I may have to many credits to be accepted into the program. I was planning on finishing most of my prerequisites this year which I thought included calculus, however the department requires engineering calculus. What is the difference if any?
 
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I have never heard of engineering calculus, could you list the description? If I may ask, what school is this at?

At most schools there are two different classes on calculus, one is intended for business/life and social science majors, which has applications geared toward those majors and is generally a little easier. The other is for math/physics/engineering etc... majors.
Maybe Engineering calc is what they call the class intended for science majors.

Anyway, you should ask someone in the department what the difference is. You should also look in the text and see if there is a difference from what you studied.

Regards.
 
There are some math courses specifically for engineering students, not specifically "Calculus" though
 
If you do any type of engineering, you probably need Engineering Calculus. If you are doing something like chemistry or biology, regular calculus would suffice.
 
What do the course descriptions for calculus and engineering calculus say, in your university's catalog? Have any professors posted syllabi and course materials online for them? Those should tell you the subjects covered, and which textbooks are used.
 

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