Vector Calculus for Engineers Course Reviews

The course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in engineering and other related fields.

The course begins with an overview of vectors and vector algebra, which includes topics such as vector addition and subtraction, scalar multiplication, and vector magnitude and direction. Students will also learn about vector operations, such as dot product, cross product, and vector calculus.

After learning the basics of vectors, the course moves on to cover the essential concepts of vector calculus. These concepts include gradient, divergence, curl, and Laplacian operators. Students will learn how to compute these operators for scalar and vector fields, and they will also learn how to apply them to real-world problems in engineering.

The course then proceeds to cover topics such as line integrals, surface integrals, and Green's theorem. Students will learn how to compute these integrals for scalar and vector fields, and they will also learn how to use these integrals to solve problems in electromagnetism, fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics.

Throughout the course, students will have access to a range of learning resources, including pre-recorded video lectures, interactive quizzes, and problem sets. They will also have access to an online discussion forum where they can collaborate with other learners and ask questions.

Upon completing the course, students will have a solid understanding of vector calculus and its applications in engineering. This knowledge will prepare them for further studies in fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics.

Course Content:

The Vector Calculus for Engineers course by Jeffrey R. Chasnov on Coursera consists of 8 parts, and it includes a total of 62 video lectures. The breakdown of the course is as follows:

Part 1: Introduction to Vectors - 8 video lectures

Part 2: Vector Calculus - 16 video lectures

Part 3: Divergence and Curl - 8 video lectures

Part 4: Line Integrals - 8 video lectures

Part 5: Surface Integrals - 8 video lectures

Part 6: Green's Theorem - 6 video lectures

Part 7: Applications in Physics - 4 video lectures

Part 8: Applications in Engineering - 4 video lectures

In addition to the video lectures, the course also includes interactive quizzes and problem sets to help students reinforce their understanding of the material. The course is self-paced and designed to be completed in approximately 8 weeks, but students can take longer if they need more time.

Reiviews:

As a former student of Vector Calculus for Engineers by Jeffrey R. Chasnov on Coursera, I would like to provide a more detailed review of this course.

Firstly, the course covers all the essential topics of vector calculus and presents them in a clear and concise manner. The videos are well-produced, and Jeffrey Chasnov is an excellent lecturer who does an excellent job of explaining the material. His explanations are thorough but not overly technical, which makes the course accessible to students with different levels of mathematical backgrounds.

Secondly, the course includes interactive quizzes and problem sets that are helpful in reinforcing the concepts taught in the lectures. The quizzes and problem sets are challenging but not overwhelming, and they provide students with an opportunity to test their understanding of the material. Additionally, the quizzes and problem sets are graded automatically, which allows students to track their progress throughout the course.

Thirdly, one of the strengths of this course is its focus on real-world applications of vector calculus in engineering. The course provides numerous examples of how vector calculus is used in different branches of engineering, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics. This approach helps to make the material more engaging and relevant to students.

Finally, the course is self-paced, which means that students can complete the course at their own pace. This is particularly beneficial for students who may have other commitments and cannot commit to a fixed schedule. Additionally, the online discussion forum provides an opportunity for students to collaborate with other learners and ask questions.

Overall, I found "Vector Calculus for Engineers" to be an excellent course that provides a solid foundation in vector calculus and its applications in engineering. The course is well-structured, engaging, and accessible to students with different levels of mathematical backgrounds. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning about vector calculus and its applications in engineering.

At this time, the course has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 1,261 ratings.

What you'll learn:

After completing Vector Calculus for Engineers by Jeffrey R. Chasnov on Coursera, students will acquire several skills, including:

1. Understanding of Vector Operations: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of vector operations, including vector addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, and dot product. They will also learn how to apply these concepts to solve real-world problems in engineering.

2. Proficiency in Divergence and Curl: Students will learn the concepts of divergence and curl and how they are used to model physical phenomena. They will also learn how to calculate these quantities in different coordinate systems.

3. Knowledge of Line and Surface Integrals: Students will be proficient in line and surface integrals and how they are used to calculate work done by a force field and flux through a surface. They will learn how to calculate these integrals in different coordinate systems.

4. Mastery of Green's Theorem: Students will learn Green's theorem, a fundamental theorem of vector calculus, and how to apply it to solve engineering problems.

5. Application of Vector Calculus in Engineering: Students will be able to apply vector calculus to solve engineering problems in different branches of engineering, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics.

Overall, the course provides students with a strong foundation in vector calculus and its applications in engineering. Upon completion of the course, students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue further studies in these fields or apply their skills in practical engineering problems.

Author:

Jeffrey R. Chasnov is an American mathematician and professor of mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin. He received his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1986 and has been a faculty member at UT Austin since 1988.

Chasnov's research interests lie in the areas of complex analysis, differential geometry, and mathematical physics. He has made significant contributions to the theory of holomorphic foliations, complex analysis on Riemann surfaces, and the study of geometric structures on manifolds. He is also interested in the connections between mathematics and other areas of science, particularly physics and engineering.

In addition to his research, Chasnov is a dedicated teacher and has won several awards for his teaching and mentoring. He has been a co-director of the UT Austin Freshman Research Initiative, which aims to involve first-year students in scientific research, and has also developed online courses in mathematics, including "Vector Calculus for Engineers" on Coursera.

Overall, Jeffrey R. Chasnov is a highly respected mathematician and educator who has made significant contributions to his field. His research interests in complex analysis, differential geometry, and mathematical physics are particularly relevant to many areas of science and engineering, and his teaching and mentoring have inspired many students to pursue careers in mathematics and related fields.

Requirements:

The Vector Calculus for Engineers course by Jeffrey R. Chasnov on Coursera has the following requirements:

1. Strong Background in Calculus: Students should have a solid understanding of calculus, including derivatives, integrals, and multivariable calculus.

2. Basic Knowledge of Linear Algebra: Students should be familiar with basic concepts of linear algebra, including vector spaces, matrices, and determinants.

3. Access to Computer and Internet: The course is entirely online, so students will need access to a computer and a reliable internet connection to complete the coursework.

4. Familiarity with Programming: Although not required, familiarity with programming languages like MATLAB or Python is recommended to complete the programming assignments.

5. Time Commitment: The course is expected to take about 6-8 hours of coursework per week, including video lectures, quizzes, and assignments. Students should plan their schedule accordingly to complete the course within the allotted time frame.

Overall, the course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing further studies in engineering, physics, or related fields, and have a strong foundation in calculus and linear algebra. However, anyone who is interested in learning about vector calculus and its applications in engineering can enroll in the course.