What should I do while in an undergraduate engineering course to keep a proof of the math knowledge I gain by self-study?

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Posted on 16 Aug 2022, this text provides information on Syllabus Queries related to Course Queries. Please note that while accuracy is prioritized, the data presented might not be entirely correct or up-to-date. This information is offered for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice.

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manpreet Tuteehub forum best answer Best Answer 2 years ago


I'm an undergraduate electronics and communication engineering student (sophomore) at an Indian university. I joined this engineering course because I found the areas of quantum computing/information and quantum engineering quite interesting, and I felt an EE background would help me later on to pursue higher studies in these areas.

Lately, although I still have great interest in those areas (quantum computing/information/engineering), I am finding myself very much interested in certain topics in mathematics and mathematical physics. Namely, mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum information (which involves learning a lot of extra math topics like functional analysis), differential geometry and topology (and their application in theoretical physics), statistical learning (I'm finding the application of statistics in machine learning quite interesting and have been reading quite a few books related to that) and discrete mathematics (graph theory and combinatorics).

The natural thing to do in such a case would be pursue a minor in mathematics. But, unfortunately, our university does not offer any minor degrees or dual major degrees. So, it's not possible for me to formally take extra classes in mathematics. Upon pondering a bit I realize that I might want to pursue my higher studies in some interdisciplinary area which involves knowing things from electronics engineering as well as from the rigorous mathematical physics and statistical learning (machine learning/data science/AI). I'm not sure if such an interdisciplinary area of study even exists at the graduate level (?). But I'm really enjoying learning the new things in mathematics and I don't want my spending time on learning these things go in vain.

So, in short, what would be the correct way to keep proof that I'm actually learning these extra things (so that I can show that I actually know these extra subjects/topics while applying for grad school) ? Should I participate in some research projects in these areas? (But then again professors don't seem to accept people who haven't taken formal courses into their research projects). If it were computer science, I could have taken online courses on sites like EdX and Coursera, for certificates. But for mathematics, no such site exists which gives out certificates based on completion of certain courses.

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manpreet 2 years ago


I feel sufficiently compelled to answer this as a recent math and physics major who completed his degree requirement.

In my undergraduate class, I was taking various combination of 4 math and physics units each semester -- 4 unit is the heaviest load one can take in a semester. At the top end they were partial differential equations, real analysis, Abstract Algebra, Topology and geometry, mathematical physics, Advanced topics in Quantum mechanics and atomic physics such as quantum mechanics operators, measurement theory, spin and orbital momentum, LS coupling, jj coupling, helium atom, fine structure, hyperfine interaction, atoms in magnetic fields, electron spin resonance, transition probabilities, astrophysics and condensed matter physics, dynamical systems, applied and computational modelling of physical systems. On top of these, I took various quantitative units in economics and did very well even in absence of the prerequisites.

, denotes a limiters of the different subjects/ units/ course/ modules

This is a 3 years standard bachelor but I completed it in 4 years. If you are prepared for the sheer amount of hard work, extreme burn out and a lower than average GPA, do it. Mine dipped slightly below a 3.0/4.0 but I had strong references and computational skills.

The natural thing to do in such a case would be pursue a minor in mathematics. But, unfortunately, our university does not offer any minor degrees or dual major degrees. So, it's not possible for me to formally take extra classes in mathematics.

Everything on your transcript is just ceremonial. What is more important is you knowing the subjects and actually being able to demonstrate it on a technical test/ chalkboard when called.

I'm speaking this as someone who has recently started collaborate on a research project with a professor while looking around for industrial opportunities.

If you're looking to work alongside research members, academics or professors, you may be asked to provide some insight as to what you have already covered in your time; in this case, you are free to draw upon what you have taken in your undergraduate curriculum and free time. People effectively wants to know what you know, not what you have taken.

In my limited experiences, professors are actually impressed with students who challenge themselves by taking advanced units, even if they consider you foolhardy.

Upon pondering a bit I realize that I might want to pursue my higher studies in some interdisciplinary area which involves knowing things from electronics engineering as well as from the rigorous mathematical physics and statistical learning (machine learning/data science/AI). I'm not sure if such an interdisciplinary area of study even exists at the graduate level (?).

While I am equally unfamiliar with such combination in academia, you may circumvent the lack of such opportunities in universities through independent study. Most research these days are cross functional across seemingly unrelated fields so much is dependent on the candidates to independently learn. In my short experiences with looking for opportunities in areas of data analysis and machine learning, the common litmus test is a request for candidates to undergo a technical test much like how developers are subject to technical tests despite their year of experiences.

In STEM, hardly anyone will give you the luxury of knowing something just because something came up on your transcript.

But I'm really enjoying learning the new things in mathematics and I don't want my spending time on learning these things go in vain.

If this is not a contradiction then there is insufficient data.


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