How much is calculus used in engineering classes?

Question

I have had materials science. but what I was wondering about is Thermodynamics, Fluid mechanincs ect..

Answer 1

Hey there, I'm a recent MechE grad so I can probably answer this for you.

You need to come away with Calculus with a basic understanding of it, most importantly what a derivative is, what second and third derivatives are, what integrals are, and what the derivatives and integrals of basic functions are.  And the shape of common functions graphically.

That's pretty much it.  You won't be doing serious calc problems in any class in the undergrad curriculum (that I took as a MechE at least), but you need to know the basics.  Lots of equations in engineering classes contain derivatives, because very often it's incredibly more simple to measure the rate of change of something than the amount of something.  Or, properties will depend on the rate of change.  An equation that comes to mind is from heat transfer class, where dq/dt= -k A dT/dt.  The rate of energy transfer is proportional to the derivative of temperature (that's for conduction).  Anyway, so that's the basic answer.  Fluids is another class big on derivatives, and some parts of electronics classes contain derivatives.  Bottom line- you can't succeed without being comfortable with the basics of calculus (mostly derivatives, not so much higher calc), but you will almost never have to do a pure calculus problem like what you'd find in your math book.  Just have a basic understanding, and if anything more is required, be able to look it up or the professor will most likely review what's needed.  

Oh, also have a good idea of what Taylor series expansion is.  That's very helpful in a few classes, as well as in programming (for problem solving).  

Hope that helps.