As much as I enjoyed my electronics, physics, and humanities courses; my favorite class in my first-year…
… was still CALCULUS!
It was a year-long series of courses that taught linear algebra, multivariable calculus, vector calculus, and differential equations. My absolute favorite topic was vector calculus, where operations and theorems are used to compute 3d vector fields. This can be visualized as a collection of arrows in space, like an electromagnetic field or a gravitational force.
New skills:
- Computing with Precision. Though my calculus tools and intuition have atrophied over time, computing with an attention to detail never goes out of style.
- Communication with Precision. I couldn’t get through this course by myself and working with peers late into the night, carefully stepping through pages of integration or proofs forced me to communicate with a precision never-before required.
Next Questions: Where do these models and techniques manifest themselves in engineering? [I would soon find out: in many places. Particularly in an Electromagnetic course that zapped away any nostalgia I still had towards Vector Calculus]
Key Takeaway: We learned that when a problem seems intractable, usually a change of perspective (…or in our case a change of coordinate systems) is needed. And after that simplification, you realize you’re just integrating Pringles.
I vividly recall intimidating problems requiring triple integrals to calculate the area and volume associated with hyperbolic paraboloids.
Starting 