How Much Math do Engineers Use? (College Vs Career)

Summary

This video explores the role of math in engineering, both during college and in real-world jobs. While college curriculums involve intensive math such as calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra, most engineers rarely use these advanced concepts in their careers. Instead, they rely on foundational math, like algebra, trigonometry, and statistics, often aided by software. The video highlights how understanding math is crucial for verifying software outputs. It also provides insight into career paths that involve more math and discusses the challenges for those not strong in math but still interested in engineering.

Takeaways

• 😀 Engineering students take foundational math courses like Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations in college.
• 😀 After graduation, most engineers rarely use advanced math, relying on software for complex calculations.
• 😀 While advanced math is not frequently used in the workplace, having a strong mathematical foundation is essential for verifying software results.
• 😀 Engineers often use algebra, trigonometry, linear algebra, and statistics in their daily tasks rather than higher-level calculus or differential equations.
• 😀 In mechanical engineering, you learn about vibrations and forces using mathematical equations, but in real-world applications, software handles most of the heavy math.
• 😀 Computational tools like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulate complex physical interactions, reducing the need for manual math.
• 😀 Engineers must understand the math behind simulations to ensure results are accurate, even if they don’t perform the math themselves.
• 😀 In fields like aerospace, mechanical, and biomedical engineering, software tools are used to model physical phenomena like fluid dynamics, stress, and force.
• 😀 Electrical engineers may work with high-level concepts like antenna design, but they rely on software like HFSS to handle complex electromagnetic calculations.
• 😀 Engineers in testing positions still need to understand basic math (like Pythagoras’ theorem) for tasks such as interpreting sensor data and measuring physical quantities.

Q & A

How much math is typically involved in an engineering college curriculum?

Engineering students usually need to take Calculus 1, 2, and 3, along with Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, at a minimum. These subjects are applied to solve engineering problems in various classes throughout college.

Do engineers use calculus in their professional careers after college?

In most cases, engineers rarely use calculus directly in their daily work. Instead, they rely on computer software for complex calculations. However, a foundational understanding of calculus is still important to verify results from software.

What types of math do engineers typically use in the workplace?

In the workplace, engineers generally use algebra, linear algebra, trigonometry, and statistics. Advanced math is mostly left to specialized software, though understanding these concepts is still crucial.

Can you give an example of how math is applied in mechanical engineering?

In mechanical engineering, courses like mechanical vibrations require engineers to determine equations for a vibrating system, such as calculating maximum displacement and natural frequency. However, in real-world applications like bridge design, engineers use software for these complex calculations.

How does the use of software change the role of math in engineering?

While engineers still need to understand the math behind problems, software like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) handles the detailed, tedious calculations. Engineers verify the results and adjust parameters as needed.

Is there any situation where engineers still do math manually?

Yes, in certain situations, engineers may still perform hand calculations for simple tasks. For example, structural engineers may manually calculate loads on beams, and mechanical engineers might analyze fluid flow or stress in straightforward cases.

What is the role of math in biomedical engineering?

In biomedical engineering, math is used to model physical forces on the body, like measuring the forces on someone's leg as they walk. However, this type of analysis is typically done using software that collects and processes real-world data, rather than solving equations by hand.

How is antenna design different in terms of math in engineering?

Antenna design involves complex math, such as electromagnetic wave equations, which are usually handled by software like HFSS. Engineers create models of antennas and let the software calculate the necessary parameters, like electric field strength.

Do engineers working in testing still need to understand math?

Yes, even in testing roles, engineers apply math to interpret data, like understanding coordinate systems or calculating signal magnitudes. While they don't manually perform complex calculations, their mathematical foundation helps them troubleshoot and ensure data accuracy.

What type of math-heavy careers can engineers pursue if they enjoy mathematics?

Engineers interested in more math-heavy careers can pursue research positions in fields like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, or self-driving cars. These areas often require advanced math, and roles in research or development typically involve a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.