Been out of high school for 7 yrs. I guess I was basically asking if I should take precalc before college algebra? Do I even need college algebra? I know calculus is required thats not a problem, I'm not taking the easy way out as I did with my Computers and Network degree. I'm working on the basics before I transfer to the 4yr college. I'm having to start from scratch since I was lazy during high school, I kick myself on a reqular basis for it. I'm going to make sure my kids take a better path.
Engineering/Math guru's need class advice
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They let me take a course in Physical and Statistical Chemistry before I had much meaningful exposure to integrals and differential equations in my engineering program.
Suffice to say, it was a nightmare, the mathematics learning curve was nearly vertical, and while I learned a lot, having to learn the math (and to a lesser extent, the classical Newtonian Physics) at the same time was incredibly stressful. On the examinations, I mostly ended up regurgitating, rather than making meaningful application of the knowledge I should have gained. Not a great way to learn, and it certainly didn't get me a great mark either.
Suffice to say, it was a nightmare, the mathematics learning curve was nearly vertical, and while I learned a lot, having to learn the math (and to a lesser extent, the classical Newtonian Physics) at the same time was incredibly stressful. On the examinations, I mostly ended up regurgitating, rather than making meaningful application of the knowledge I should have gained. Not a great way to learn, and it certainly didn't get me a great mark either.
Do you plan on going back to school full time or part time? It sounds like you don't really need to get this degree. I sure wouldn't want to discourage you in any area of education..but for even a moderately bright person Engineering is really tough. So you are just going to get it for recreation?? Where I worked..Penn State was offering an engineering degree. Most of the classes were taught at the facility. Lots of people started it but ultimately after 7 or 8 years...there were only a couple of people who finished.
the level of math usage depends on the type of engineering. I struggled in school with math, it isn't my strong point in the least. I found another degree within the School of Engineering (Texas A+M) that unfortunately they don't offer anymore. It was a hands-on Engineering degree, very similar to the degrees given before the 60s "science crisis" caused most major universities to force their engineers into becoming math majors.
I took less math, but business, machine shop, communications. I never took calculus and just like most of my friends who DID take it, have never used it. Understanding the underlying principles is one thing, rote memorization of derivation is another.
I find that engineers that take a lot of math, and unfortuantely that means most "standard" ciricullum engineers lack communication skills, abstract and critical thinking and mental flexibility far to often. Often that's more of a function of the personality type, but they need communications skills desperately!
If you want to really challenge the average engineering student, make them do a major presentation to non-engineers and keep them from falling asleep. 100 people in the audience and 10 points off for each person that nods off in a 30 minute presentation. Public Speaking 101.
Engineering students should be REQUIRED to take speech, business law, and other classes that will tend to give them exposure into areas that can have more impact on what they do that calculus ever will in most cases.
Is there a place for the higher math? Absolutely. Is it necessary for all engineers to take it? Absolutely not.
fwiw, since graduating in 1977, I have had titles including Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Product Engineer among others. As well as all of those with Manager after it. Not having calculus hasn't hurt me. In fact, my flexibility has kept me employed thru dozens of layoffs, where the less flexible were the first ones discarded.
An engineer that can't communicate and understand his role in the overall scheme of things is useless no matter how "smart" he/she may be.
I took less math, but business, machine shop, communications. I never took calculus and just like most of my friends who DID take it, have never used it. Understanding the underlying principles is one thing, rote memorization of derivation is another.
I find that engineers that take a lot of math, and unfortuantely that means most "standard" ciricullum engineers lack communication skills, abstract and critical thinking and mental flexibility far to often. Often that's more of a function of the personality type, but they need communications skills desperately!
If you want to really challenge the average engineering student, make them do a major presentation to non-engineers and keep them from falling asleep. 100 people in the audience and 10 points off for each person that nods off in a 30 minute presentation. Public Speaking 101.
Engineering students should be REQUIRED to take speech, business law, and other classes that will tend to give them exposure into areas that can have more impact on what they do that calculus ever will in most cases.
Is there a place for the higher math? Absolutely. Is it necessary for all engineers to take it? Absolutely not.
fwiw, since graduating in 1977, I have had titles including Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Product Engineer among others. As well as all of those with Manager after it. Not having calculus hasn't hurt me. In fact, my flexibility has kept me employed thru dozens of layoffs, where the less flexible were the first ones discarded.
An engineer that can't communicate and understand his role in the overall scheme of things is useless no matter how "smart" he/she may be.
kenw are you my teacher? Communication isn't problem, I worked in the computer industry for six years, having to explain computer issues in layman terms teaches you alot. I want to the degree to do something better have something better. I don't know how that sounds like I don't want it. I was looking texas am and to me the job factor didn't sound great there. I
Welll you did way this:
Good luck..you can do it.
I guess I am the opposite. I didn't use much calc in college but when I got out the first thing I need to do is reverse engineer an old product with a lost algorithm. Have to review my bloody math and buy a few books to get back into it.
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