Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-8bhkd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-13T01:33:48.774Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Vector Analysis in a University Course

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2016

C. E. Weatherburn*
Affiliation:
Ormond College, University of Melbourne

Extract

Since due recognition is now being more and more widely given to the importance of Vector Analysis for three-dimensional work in mechanics, geometry and mathematical physics, the time is opportune to consider the place which that subject merits in a University degree course. A student who undertakes anything like research work in applied subjects is considerably handicapped if he has had no training in Vector Analysis; but the need for it is felt much earlier than the stage at which research is generally begun. Every University course contains subjects which are less useful than Vector Analysis; and on the ground of utility alone there is no question that the latter deserves a place in the curriculum. It will, however, be found quite unnecessary to displace anything else, because the time occupied in teaching the essential parts of vector algebra and calculus will be saved, even during a three years’ course, by the application of this method to the three-dimensional parts of mechanics and mathematical physics.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 1920

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

* In printing, vectors are usually denoted by Clarendon symbols. For manuscript and blackboard work, Greek letters and script capitals will be found convenient.