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The physicist or engineeer needs to embrace mathematics in order to get the most from their studies. Unfortunately, students often struggle with the mathematical aspects of their physics or engineering degree course: 8 key reasons for this are provided below.
stemNRICH was specially designed to address these 8 problem areas by providing meaningful, rich and interesting mathematical science problems for students to engage with prior to arrival at university.
There is a great deal of mathematical content knowledge which a physicist or engineer needs to know. Some of the more advanced skills required are
Mathematics | Applications |
Equations | All of physics! |
Calculus and differential equations | Dynamics |
Vectors | Forces, statics |
Complex numbers | Wave equations, frequency analysis |
Matrices | Stress and strain, 3D graphics |
Logarithms | Sound intensity |
Logic | Digital circuits and computing |
Estimation and approximation | Checking answers, setting up problems |
Statistics and probability | Statistical physics |
Geometry | Statics, mechanics |
... and problem solving skills | Setting up any problem! |
In addition to this strong base of advanced skills, any physicist or engineer needs to have very strong number, computation and general maths skills. Unfortunately, even a good grade in maths might not be sufficient to support the underlying physics once a student begins university. Why is this?
Suppose that a physics or engineering student achieved a good grade in GCSE mathematics or AS mathematics. Why would such students struggle with the mathematical aspects of physics or engineering? There are several possible reasons: