• Question: How does the principles of science and mathematics apply to your everyday tasks?

    Asked by rattyvlogger to Graham, Luke, Maksim, Ruth on 16 Jun 2014.
    • Photo: Graham Wiggins

      Graham Wiggins answered on 16 Jun 2014:

      Using maths helps me make things fit together, or ,work properly.
      understanding how well copper conducts allows me to work out conductor sizes
      so both are very important

    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 16 Jun 2014:

      Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, differential equations, complex analysis, probability and statistics. Civil engineers use all of these forms of maths.

      To help them understand the chemistry and physics fundamental to the construction of civil engineering projects.
      To carry out the technical calculations necessary to plan a construction project

      To help them with modeling and simulations to predict the behavior of structures before they are actually built; and

      To help them with business decisions and other “non-technical” aspects of their jobs.

    • Photo: Ruth Gregory

      Ruth Gregory answered on 16 Jun 2014:

      I use mathematics on a daily basis, I use trigonometry to calculate distances on site and to check tolerances on structures. I also use chemistry to consider the chemicals used to make concrete. I use physics to determine how a structure will stand up and how the overhead wiring will affect the foundations we have put in the ground. I also use biology to cover the health and safety of the team and aspects of the environmental interests (such as protected species and plants).

    • Photo: Luke Fry

      Luke Fry answered on 18 Jun 2014:

      Hi, it can be really difficult to learn things in science and matchs at school when you think ‘I’m never going to need this!’ but trust me! in engineering you really do! The main difference is that you are using it for a reason. also you don’t have to remember tonnes of formulas and equations because you can just look them up online or in a book. You do have to be able to understand them and use them though which is why it is important to get the basics nailed at school!
      A good example would be that in school you’ll use calculus to find the area under a curve on a graph…you think, I don’t care what the area is!! BUT in practice that area might well be equal to the amount of power used by something and therefore we are interested

Comments

  • Photo: rattyvlogger

    rattyvlogger commented on :

    Is it necessary to have qualifications in science and maths in order to become an engineer? Or can you take a direct qualification which is focused towards a certain type of engineering (electrical engineer)? Or is it necessary to have both?