<p>Suppose I decide to go into research in chemical engineering, materials science, biochemistry or something like that. How much math would I need? I finished linear algebra and am taking abstract algebra, I'm hating it because it's so fking boring. I heard real analysis is more interesting, but harder. I'm wondering if it's really necessary for me to take all these theoretical math classes if I decide to go into research in science/engineering.</p>
<p>That depends on what research it is about so ask the PI or someone. Also, what is your major? Is abstract algebra required for it?</p>
<p>Generally, research requires a greater use and knowledge of math than other, vanilla engineering jobs.</p>
<p>As far as I know, no engineering field requires anything above diff eq. If you’re into computers, you’re required to take linear algebra. Abstract algebra is just really stupid definitions, propositions and proofs. However, I have heard of grad school students having to take under grad math classes because they didn’t do it in their college years.</p>
<p>Most major engineering programs these days require linear algebra because most engineering these days requires some degree of computer programming.</p>
<p>However, most practicing engineers don’t use a ton of math when they get out in industry. They learn it because it is important to understand the underlying principles, but they don’t do a ton of math beyond that. However, in research, there is often more math that is used because there is a lot more data analysis.</p>
<p>Depending on the research area, lots of different kinds of advanced math could be required. Abstract algebra probably isn’t one of the big advanced math areas for engineers (it would be for, say, computer scientists). Analysis and differential equations are probably more important. Maybe numerical analysis and topology too.</p>
<p>btw, How can anybody not like abstract algebra? Oh well. Different strokes. I find Analysis can be very tedious depending on the presentation. I think how interesting theoretical topics are really correlate better with the professor’s interest than with the students’.</p>
<p>“How can anybody not like abstract algebra?”</p>
<p>Yuck!..then again I don’t understand when folks say that they do not like numerical analysis, numerical linear algebra or other numerical/computational topics where you can actually get to solve for the answer. Hey, I mean it’s nice sometimes to work that answer on paper, but I love that rush of converting that math into Java or C++ and actually seeing what “X” is.</p>
<p>Nothing like seeing that Power Method spit out those real eigenvalues.</p>