If you love mathematics, we have a career that could add up to a rewarding career!
Do you enjoy crunching the numbers and like the idea of using your talents in a vital industry to UK infrastructure? Mathematics is a key part of civil engineering, from designing and analysing structures to managing projects.
The Institution of Civil Engineers predict that how we plan, build, and operate UK infrastructure is set to change in the coming years, so if you’re looking to embark on a forward-thinking, constructive career, now is the time!
But first, let’s explore some of the mathematical methods that every civil engineer should know, and how a civil engineering degree can help develop your skills, enhancing your career opportunities, and reward.
Differential Equations
You might be unaware of what differential equations are? They are essential for civil engineers to learn how to design and analyse complex systems; some might even say they are the most important tools that engineers have at their disposal.
There are two types of equations, linear and non-linear, and they can be used to model everything from how fluids flow to how structures deform under loads. But, what’s the difference between the two? Linear equations might be simpler to solve, but they don’t always provide an accurate representation of the real world. However, non-linear equations are more complicated but they provide more realistic solutions.
Linear Algebra
This is used quite heavily in civil engineering, or structural engineering to be more specific. The key reason why it’s essential for civil engineers to know about this is because the analysis of a structure in equilibrium involves writing down many equations in several unknowns. The idea behind this is that when designing the structure of a building, engineers need to ensure that the infrastructure is going to be strong enough to support the loads it will experience during its lifetime. Linear algebra is ultimately how they design this safe and secure structure. It allows civil engineers to calculate the stresses on individual members of the building, enabling them to identify the possible failure points and design countermeasures to prevent collapse.
Calculus
Heard of calculus? Well, this is the term used by civil engineers to study the rate of change in functions. There can be two types of calculus, differentiation and integration; these are useful in the practice of engineering, and they are typically used for optimisation and summation.
During the daily duties of a civil engineer, calculus would usually be used to model and understand complex systems such as traffic flow, water distribution, and structural loads. Engineers can also use it to optimise their designs by finding the most efficient ways to use resources like time, money, and materials.
Study a Civil Engineering Degree
Do you feel inspired to enter this exciting profession?
Take your first step towards a civil engineering career with a BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering degree at the University of Bolton. You will become a valued member of our School of Engineering; gaining access to our unique design studio space, which includes the latest computer-aided design software and hardware, as well as an impressive range of other specialist facilities… and the support doesn’t end there!
Our civil engineering lecturers are industry experts and are committed to sharing their expertise to help our students succeed; one of the reasons why we have been voted first for Teaching Quality*.
By the time you graduate, you will have a civil engineering qualification that not only fully meets the needs for an Incorporated Engineer status, but also partially satisfies the basis of a Chartered Engineer status… providing the perfect opportunity to boost your professional knowledge and become a fully qualified Chartered Engineer with a master’s degree!
Interested in learning more? Click here to read our full course details and visit us at an Open Day to find out how Bolton University can support your student experience.
Come and enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe!
*The Time and Sunday Times, Good University Guide – Teaching Quality – Northwest – 2023
