What Areas Of Maths Do I Need To Know For Engineering At Oxbridge?

If you are thinking of applying for Engineering at Oxbridge you will have to have a strong mathematical understanding. There are many areas of Mathematics - so which do you need to know?

Last Updated: 4th February 2022

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If you are considering applying for Engineering at Oxbridge, you will need to have a solid understanding of Mathematics as it plays a significant role in the courses.

Mathematics is the cornerstone of Engineering. Without it, bridges would collapse under tension, lightbulbs might blow every time you flip a switch in your house, and your car brakes would only work some of the time.

But what areas of Mathematics do you need to know?

Mathematics at A-Level

If you are thinking of applying for Engineering at Oxbridge, Further Maths at A-Level is not a requirement, and you will not be disadvantaged by not taking it.

However, if your school or college does offer Further Maths, you are strongly encouraged to do so. Oxford and Cambridge acknowledge it is not an option available to everyone, which is why it is not essential to study Engineering.

It is worth noting; however, there is a high level of synergy between Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Any students who are taking this combination are encouraged to take a fourth A-Level to demonstrate both high achievement in Maths and the ability to cope with a demanding workload.

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The Mathematics Subject Structure

The choice of a Mathematics A-Level course to follow and the choice of options or modules within that course is an important decision to make. That choice will be influenced by many factors, with the primary one being to go on to university courses in science subjects.

The assumed knowledge at the start of the first-year Mathematics course is set out below in the form of a syllabus based very closely on the national Core Syllabus in Mathematics, which was proposed in the early 1990s.

Algebra

One of the areas of Mathematics you will need to know to study Engineering at Oxbridge is algebra. Algebra covers the laws of indices (including negative and rational exponents); 

Engineers use linear algebra to design and analyse complex systems. Civil engineers use linear algebra to design and analyse load-bearing structures such as bridges. Mechanical engineers use linear algebra to design and analyse suspension systems, and electrical engineers use it to design and analyse electrical circuits.

Electrical, biomedical, and aerospace engineers use linear algebra to enhance x-rays, tomographs, and images from space.

Cartesian Geometry

Another area of Mathematics you will need to study Engineering at Oxbridge is Cartesian Geometry. The knowledge you will be expected to have is: 

Also known as analytical geometry, Cartesian Geometry is used in Physics and Engineering and plays a key part in aviation, rocketry, space science and spaceflight. Usually, the system is applied to manipulate equations for planes, straight lines, and circles, often in two and sometimes three dimensions.

Simply put, it is concerned with defining and representing geometric shapes numerically and extracting numerical information from shapes’ numerical definitions and representations.

Complex Numbers

Complex numbers are another area of Mathematics you will be required to understand to study Engineering at Oxbridge.

The knowledge of complex numbers you are expected to have for Oxbridge Engineering is:

Argand diagram

Complex numbers are most commonly used in electrical engineering because Fourier transforms are used in understanding oscillations that occur both in alternating current and in signals modulated by electromagnetic waves.

Matrices

Matrices is another critical area of Mathematics that is essential to studying Engineering at Oxbridge.

This area focuses on:

Matrices can be solved physically related application and one applied in the study of electrical circuits, quantum mechanics and optics, with the help of matrices, calculation of battery power outputs, resistor conversion of electrical energy into another useful energy. These matrices play a role in calculation.

Functions

Engineers often make mathematical models of real-life systems to make predictions about how that system might behave. We can think of a function as a “processor” that takes in one (or more) input variables and produces an output variable.

You would be expected to have knowledge of:

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Sequences and series

A strong understanding of sequence and series is fundamental to the study of discrete-time signals and systems. A discrete-time system response takes the form of a sequence, and the characteristics of these sequences and of the associated series dictate system properties such as causality, stability, memory, and finite vs infinite impulse response.

Additionally, sequence and series are the basis of discrete-time Fourier series and transforms, which provide the primary tool for frequency-domain signals and systems analysis.

Subsequently, the mathematical understanding you will be expected to have when studying at Oxbridge is as follows:

Trigonometry

Trigonometry is a branch of Mathematics that explores the relationships between the lengths of triangle sides and angles. Engineers routinely use trigonometric concepts to calculate angles. Civil and mechanical engineers use trigonometry to calculate torque and forces on objects, such as bridges.

The concepts you will need to know are:

Exponentials and logarithms

All types of engineers use natural and common logarithms. Chemical engineers use them to measure radioactive decay and pH solutions, which are measured on a logarithmic scale. Exponential equations and logarithms are used to measure earthquakes and to predict how fast your bank account might grow. Biomedical engineers use them to measure cell decay and growth and measure light intensity for bone mineral density measurements.

When studying Engineering at Oxbridge, you will be expected to know the following:

Differentiation and Integration

Differentiation and integration are particularly useful in engineering and are generally used for optimisation and summation. Many examples of this use of Mathematics are found in mechanical engineering, such as computing the surface area of complex objects to determine frictional forces, designing a pump according to flow rate and head, and calculating the power provided by a battery system.

Other examples can also be found in aerospace engineering. Thrust overtime calculated using the ideal rocket equation, for example. Analysis of rockets that function in stages also requires calculus, as does gravitational modelling over time and space. Almost all physics models, especially those of astronomy and complex systems, use some form of differentiation and integration.

The concepts of differentiation you are expected to know for Oxbridge Engineering are: 

As for integration, you will need to know: 

The Application of mathematics

The final area of Mathematics you will need to understand to study Engineering at Oxbridge is the application of Mathematics.

For this, you will be required to have:  

Conclusion

If you go into an Oxbridge Engineering degree with this pre-existing knowledge behind your back, you will be in a very strong position.

Preparatory problems are provided along with detailed references to enable self-study. Those who have missed some topics are advised to use these resources to make up for this deficit.

Of course, knowing which areas will benefit you and having a thorough grounding in them will be of an obvious advantage.  

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Applying to Oxbridge is immensely competitive, and you must give yourself the best chance of success. We help you craft the perfect Personal Statement, achieve a highly competitive ESAT or PAT score and teach you how to Interview effectively – covering all areas of your Oxbridge application. Discover our Oxbridge Engineering Premium Programme for comprehensive admissions support by clicking the button below to enrol and triple your chances of success.
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