Math in ScienceResearch – Math in Science disciplines

Teaching: An effective key to self-learning This project is funded by European Union.

Maths in Physical Science• Mathematics is used in Physical Science very often, for

example arithmetic, algebra and advanced mathematics may be used:

• to calculate the measurements of objects and their characteristics

• to show the relationship between different functions and properties.

• to establish values • to solve simple equations or formulae• to converse units• In classical or everyday Physics, normal values are used to

solve equations.

Maths in Physical scince - AstronomyIn Astronomy, distances, sizes and masses are very large that´s why we need special units to represent these large values.

In Atomic Physics, although quantities may be large, sizes and masses are very small so we need other special units to represent these tiny values.

Maths in Physical science: Atomic physics

Math in ChemistryMathematics is used widely in chemistry as well as all other sciences. Mathematical calculations are absolutely necessary to explore important concepts in chemistry. Without some basic mathematics skills, these calculations, and therefore chemistry itself, will be extremely difficult. However, with a basic knowledge of some of the mathematics that will be used in your chemistry course, you will be well prepared to deal with the concepts and theories of chemistry.The first two chapters explain basic mathematics. The last chapter explores more complex mathematical methods and concepts that may be of interest to students who are comfortable with the material in the previous sections. It is suggested that even if you are comfortable with a section, that you work through the course material in order.

Maths in Physical Science

Mathematics is used in Physical Science for measurements and to show relationships. Arithmetic consists of simple operations with numbers, and algebra shows relationships, often without numbers. Higher math is used for complex relationships between properties.

Fields of Math used in Science

• Arithmetic consists of simple operations with numbers and values.

• Algebra is used to show relationships before the measured numbers are used for calculations.

• Higher math is used for complex relationships between properties.

Arithmetic conventions

In using Arithmetic, we can add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers. We also use fractions and decimals.• Addition and subtraction• Multiplication and division• Order listed• Use of parentheses• Fractions and decimals

Relationships in AlgebraAlgebra uses letters to denote a relationship between characteristics. Usually, they are just abbreviations for the characteristic. For example, energy is denoted by E and velocity by v.Newton came up with the relationship between force, mass and acceleration. His equation says that force equals the mass of an object times its acceleration. To avoid writing out this sentence, we use the symbols F for force, m for mass and a for acceleration. Thus, the equation can be written: F = ma.This allows us to substitute values for two items and get a value for the third. If m = 3 kilograms and a = 2 meters per second per second, F = 3 * 2 = 6 newtons.

Subscripts in Algebra

• Sometimes you are comparing two or more items with the same characteristic. In such cases, a subscript number or letter can be added to keep things separate. A subscript is a small number or letter after and below the variable.

• If you are comparing several forces, you can name one F1, another F2 and so on. Also, we call the force of friction Fr to separate it from another force.

Advanced mathematics• Calculus, differential equations and other advanced

mathematics are used in advanced Physical Science calculations and equations.

• One example of where and why advanced mathematics must be used can be seen in the simple gravity equations. F = m*g is the equation for the force of gravity. But that equation is only an approximation for items falling close to Earth. The actual equation varies inversely as the square of the distance apart and is related to the masses of the bodies.

Importance of equations, Algebra, Arithmetic, Calculus

You can study the facts of science with little or no math. However, in many areas of science (Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry) equations are used to make calculations. In such cases, you need some knowledge or Algebra and Arithmetic to work with the equations and make the calculations.

Advanced science subjects may require knowledge of advanced math, such as Calculus.

Importance of Math for university students

University lecturers are frustrated that students are enrolling in high-level mathematics, science and engineering degrees significantly unprepared because they have not studied math or science.A student in Australia could undertake a degree in medical science, engineering or even actuarial studies at the state's top universities without having studied any science or math since junior high school.Students are having great difficulty completing first-year university subjects because they had not learnt Math.There should be prerequisites for some courses . It is ''unrealistic'' to expect a student to cope in an engineering course with no background in sophisticated mathematics.

Suggestions for improving the situationSome lecturers of Mathematical Sciences would like to make math a compulsory component of entry or even of high school exams. But, in the current competitive environment that universities and high schools find themselves in, it's quite difficult to do in practice.Even for students of Psychology is important knowledge of Math as they must take a statistics class. Biopsychology is 100 per cent science.But other university professors think that a student who have a genuine love of making things, solving problems and making a difference in the world should do engineering. You can always make the math up.

Math topics used in Science

- Units (Physics, Chemistry)- Stars (Physics – Astronomy)- Temperature (Physics)- Movement (Physics)- Maps (Geography)- Animals and Humans (Biology)- Climate Change (Geography, Ecology)- Density (Chemistry) - Gravity (Physics, Astronomy)- Time (Physics)- Expansion due to Heat (Physics, Chemistry)- Family (Social studies, Budget)

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branches_of_science

• http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/math.htm#.Vrh9aBjhDcs

• https://www.shodor.org/unchem/math/