Math, Science & Engineering

What are Math and Science?

Mathematics refers to the study of numbers and their operations, as well as of abstractions and space. Earth science is a broad term referring to the sciences involved in the study of the Earth, and physical science refers to the sciences that study the nature of energy and matter.

Engineering as a Field

Consider all of the things that have been constructed in our world: houses, cars and reclining chairs; playground equipment, technical camping tents and tennis shoes; chemical compounds, electronic devices and farm equipment. The construction of each of these things and a plethora of others has, at some point, required the wisdom, knowledge, and guidance of an engineer. The field of engineering then is as broad as the sky is vast.

Engineers specialize in particular types of design—structural, mechanical and electronic, to name a few—and they work in a variety of capacities. Environmental engineers, for example, work to find solutions to pressing environmental problems. Civil engineers, for example, plan and design the development of infrastructure projects. Biomedical, marine, and materials engineers, for example, analyze and design medicine, build and maintain sea vessels, and design, develop, and test a range of products. Any product you can think of required or requires the brilliance, ingenuity, and skilled input of an engineer. If you are someone who has always been curious about how things are built or has always wanted to invent and design new products, the field of engineering might be a perfect field for you.

Who Should Study Math, Science or Engineering?

If you’re considering a graduate degree in one of these fields you may ideally answer “yes” to the following questions:

• Am I a logical thinker who enjoys identifying patterns?
• Can I think abstractly and conceptualize objects in space?
• Am I curious about how the world around me works?
• Am I interested in quantitative research?
• Am I intrigued by the thought of investigating the mysteries of nature?

 Also, you may ideally answer “no” to the following questions:

• Do I prefer subjects in which there is no right and wrong answer?
• Am I intimidated by numbers and statistics?
• Am I highly creative and non-linear?

Sample Mathematics, Earth and Physical Sciences Classes

Math, science and engineering classes differ depending upon whether they are offered at the undergraduate or graduate level. That said, here are some sample mathematics classes one might encounter in higher education:

• Calculus
• Mathematics for computer science
• Linear algebra
• Differential equations
• Theory of probability
• Nonlinear dynamics
• Parallel computing
• Fluid mechanics
• Knot theory

Here are some sample science classes:

• Atmosphere, ocean and climate dynamics
• Science and policy of natural hazards
• Geology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biochemistry

Here are some sample engineering disciplines:

• Aerospace Engineering 
• Architectural Engineering 
• Biomedical Engineering 
• Chemical Engineering  
• Computer Engineering 
• Electrical Engineering 
• Health and Safety Engineering 
• Industrial Engineering 
• Nuclear Engineering