Which engineering/science uses this the most?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interests of a mechanical engineering student in finding a major that involves extensive mathematical problem-solving, particularly through equations and differential equations. Participants explore various engineering and science fields that may align with these interests, including chemical engineering, electrical engineering, and physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for fields that involve solving complex equations and differential equations over statics problems in mechanical engineering.
  • Another participant suggests chemical engineering, highlighting its focus on transport phenomena and reactor design, which rely heavily on calculus and differential equations.
  • Some participants mention that electrical engineering and physics also require significant mathematical skills, particularly in upper division courses.
  • A participant reflects on their previous interest in chemical engineering but expresses uncertainty about the specific content of the field.
  • Concerns are raised about the financial implications of pursuing physics, particularly regarding postdoctoral research positions.
  • It is noted that mechanical engineering may become more mathematical in advanced courses like dynamics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on which engineering or science fields involve the most mathematics. There is no consensus on a single best option, as preferences and interests vary among participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about their interests and the implications of various fields, indicating a need for further exploration of specific course content and career outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering majors in engineering or science, particularly those interested in the mathematical aspects of their studies.

zachdr1
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So I am currently a very indecisive mechanical engineering student, who can't figure out what to major in. I have found out that I am much more interested in solving problems that deal with a lot of equations, substitution, and differential equations than I am solving statics problems.

I like classes like statics and mechanics of materials, don't get me wrong, it just gets boring after a while; I feel like I'm solving the same problem over and over again using barely any math.

So pretty much, my question is: which engineering/science solves problems that involve a lot of math, equations, calculus, etc.. An example of a problem like this, would be this basic kinematics problem:

Engineers analyzing the motion of a linkage determine that the velocity of an attachment point is given by v = A + 4s2 m/s, where A is a constant. When s = 2m, its acceleration is measured and determined to be 320 m/s2 . What is the velocity of the point when s = 2m?
 
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You should give chemical engineering a try. You will spend most of your junior year dealing with transport phenomena (momentum, heat, and mass transport), which are heavily based on calculus and differential equations. Then there's reactor design, which also relies on DE. You will also encounter some differential equations while designing continuous contact equipment for unit operations. Check out the textbook Transport Phenomena by BSL, to get a glimpse of the math you would be dealing with as a ChemE major.

Good luck!
 
There is more good math needed in electrical engineering or physics.
 
MexChemE said:
You should give chemical engineering a try. You will spend most of your junior year dealing with transport phenomena (momentum, heat, and mass transport), which are heavily based on calculus and differential equations. Then there's reactor design, which also relies on DE. You will also encounter some differential equations while designing continuous contact equipment for unit operations. Check out the textbook Transport Phenomena by BSL, to get a glimpse of the math you would be dealing with as a ChemE major.

Good luck!
I was actually thinking about doing ChemE a while back. I'm really not sure if I'm interested in the kind of stuff you would be working on as a ChemE though. I did check out that text and it looks interesting. Thank you though!

There is more good math needed in electrical engineering or physics.

I was actually considering electrical engineering, and I think physics is what I really want to do, but I really don't want to ever have to worry too much about money if I don't have to. It seems that everything I want to study in physics leads to me being stuck in a post doc research position.
 
There is a lot of interesting math in Electrical Engineering, especially as you get into upper division courses.

I also believe that Mechanical Engineering becomes much more mathematical when you take classes like dynamics.
 

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