Mathematics

Mathematics is the language of the technical sciences. You can describe phenomena and also solve technical, scientific problems. Think, for example, of: 

• Describe (sound)waves with goniometric functions 
• Calculate the volume of a tumor with a MRI-scan 
• Produce and plan efficiently 
• Differentiate for an optimal setting of parameters (like a product process or regulation system) 
• Deduction of functions to calculate the speed of objects 
• Determine the center of gravity via an integral calculation 
• Describing a growth model via a differentiation comparison

As you have to have a command of a number of basic mathematical tools for all courses at the TU/e, the basic course in mathematics is given immediately in the first quartile. The course is partly a repeat of what you learned at secondary school. We then build on this and teach you how to apply the knowledge. The subjects dealt with are:

• arithmetic skills and functions
• limits
• differentiation
• integration
• (first order) differential equations
• simple vector calculation of planes and space