Tim
How much calculus is needed for chemical engineering?
I am thinking about going into chemical engineering and was wondering how much calculus is needed because I loved doing it in high school and did very well and I want to know if it is heavy in the field.
#chemical-engineering
3 answers
Eric Watters
Eric’s Answer
Great question. Typically four semesters of calculus will be required in undergraduate studies for most engineering majors. I had did well on the AP Calculus exam and received credit for one semester at the University of Connecticut. So I only took three semesters of calculus and filled the opening with a course in metallurgy. As a chemical engineering student, you will apply calculus in other courses such as Process Control, Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics.
Take care
Michael Trocchia
Michael’s Answer
Typically 4 semesters of calculus at the university level are a minimum.
Sandy Pettit
Sandy’s Answer
Here is a sample class flowchart from the University of South Florida:
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/student-services/documents/flowchart-bsch.pdf
It is typical of many programs, where 4 semesters of Calculus (and Differential Equations MAP 2302) are required. While these classes are dedicated to the subject, many of the other classes have elements of calculus, applied to physical situations. For example, you will use calculus concepts in Transport (the movement/flow of fluids and heat), Numerical Methods, and Process Dynamics & Control, just to name a few.