Which branch of engineering is the most mathematical?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical intensity of various engineering branches, particularly Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Electrical Engineering (EE), as well as comparisons with other fields like Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering. Participants explore the types of mathematics involved in these disciplines and share personal experiences regarding their mathematical education within engineering contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that both Mechanical and Electrical Engineering are mathematically intensive, with little difference in overall mathematical requirements.
  • One participant notes that Electrical Engineers typically take one additional calculus course compared to other engineering fields, but questions the significance of this difference.
  • Another participant mentions that ME students seem to focus more on ordinary differential equations (ODE), partial differential equations (PDE), and vector calculus, while EE students engage more with Fourier analysis and complex analysis.
  • A participant highlights that Chemical Engineering also involves significant use of PDEs and graphical analysis, indicating a high level of mathematical application.
  • One Electrical Engineering student describes the broad scope of mathematics used in their field, including Laplace transforms, Fourier analysis, probability and statistics, and linear algebra.
  • Some participants express a passion for mathematics and its application in engineering, while others indicate a preference for using math as a tool for solving physics problems rather than for its own sake.
  • A participant inquires about the mathematical breadth of Civil Engineering, indicating interest in understanding how it compares to other branches.
  • There are mentions of a common foundational math curriculum across engineering disciplines, but speculation about which branch might require more advanced mathematics remains unresolved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which engineering branch is the most mathematical. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the types of mathematics emphasized in different fields, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the mathematical demands of different engineering branches, but there is no definitive agreement on the overall mathematical intensity of each discipline. The discussion highlights the subjective nature of experiences in engineering education.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a career in engineering, particularly those interested in the mathematical aspects of different engineering branches, may find this discussion informative.

Nusc
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Mechanical or Electrical?

Also, is a course in optimization useful? This does not necessarily pertain to engineers. If so, in what other fields? Besides applied mathematics/numerical analysis.
 
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They are both mathematical to the extent that there isn't much difference between them. At my university EE's take one more calc course than do the rest of the engineering fields (vector calc), but so what? The others probably learn it on a more 'introduce it as we go along' kind of basis.
 
i like engineering because its very mathematical.
 
I have friends from both majors. Couldn't tell who learns more mathematics. But they learned (as far as undergrad curriculum at our institution) different mathematics. ME guy seemed to know more of ODE,PDE,Vector Calculus, and so on. EE guy seemed to know more of Fourier Analysis, Complex Analysis and so on. Seriously, there's no way of telling who learns more. I think this extends to include math majors as well.
 
mathis314 said:
i like engineering because its very mathematical.

I love calculus mostly, well basic and some of the advanced theories. But during my first year in university (this year) I have finally noticed that it probably is not a field I would like to go in. I think it would just take too much of my time, which I do not like.

BTW Nusc, I have a friend and he told me they are basically all the same. It is just that some specialize in a specific field of mathematics, but usually all the same in terms of amount of mathematics courses.
 
PDE (Partial differential equation) and vector calculus would be the highest for both fields, undergrad-wise. Depending on your specialization, you might take higher maths courses.

Some brave computer science majors read homology these days to devise different graphics algorithms.
 
you'll be doing lots of PDE's in chemical engineering, and there are a ton of graphs to use (though may be familiar, the psychrometric chart). I love problem solving and every minute of cheme!

EE's come across Fourier analysis, and perhaps unfamiliar to some, laplace transforms.
 
I'm an EE. You will use tons of laplace transforms, and Fourier analysis is also used ubiquitously. You will see lots of prob/stats in comm systems. You will also see lots of vector calc in fields. Of course you will use some linear algebra too. Obviously DE is important too. I've never had a full PDE course though, but PDEs come up a lot, particularly in fields.

I'm a double major in EE and physics, and I would say the scope of the mathematics I have used was broader for EE than it was for physics. I can't comment on ME though.
 
thats a nice package, a double in physics and electrical engineering.
 
  • #10
For my physics major, I have to take Cal I-III, Linear Algebra, Diff. Eq., Intro. to Partial Diff. Eq., and Vector Analysis. I'm also taking Intro. to Complex Analysis to better prepare for graduate school.
 
  • #11
hi , i like maths
and i would also like to know about civil engineering as well
how broad is the maths there?

thanks
 
Last edited:
  • #12
who in the world doesn't want to take as many math classes as possible?
 
  • #13
Someone who wants to stay sane. ;)

I've taken calc 1-3, Multivariable, Diff EQ, Linear Algebra, and then whatever else was thrown into my physics classes, like calc of variations and more Diff EQ stuff.

I like it for being able to do the physics, not in and of itself.
 
  • #14
Poop-Loops said:
Someone who wants to stay sane. ;)

I've taken calc 1-3, Multivariable, Diff EQ, Linear Algebra, and then whatever else was thrown into my physics classes, like calc of variations and more Diff EQ stuff.

I like it for being able to do the physics, not in and of itself.

I feel the same way; I'm currently in Cal III. I like being able to use the math to solve physics problems.
 
  • #15
ice109 said:
who in the world doesn't want to take as many math classes as possible?
weirdos. (-:
 
  • #16
At our school, everyone takes the same basic math program...but beyond that, I'm guessing its probably the Aero E's that have the most math.
 
  • #17
i want to know which engineering branch is more mathematical?please give me information about the branch bcoz i should opt my branch.
 
  • #18
Is automation a part of mechanical? and wat is the difference between them?can one change branch in 2nd year. also please suggest whether petroleum engineering is well scoped. how is rajiv gandhi inst. of petroleum technology at rae bareli? please please reply as soon as possible?
 

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