Student review: Advanced Engineering Mathematics

Authors: K.A. Stroud and Dexter J. Booth

Edition: Fifth

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Pages: 1,136

Price: £41.99

ISBN: 97802305485

This textbook is based around the application of engineering maths, and is specifically aimed towards maths students in their second year, although it would prove useful to any student of the physical sciences. It sets out not only to show techniques and methods but also to support them with sufficient proofs to warrant the methods being employed.

Its main aim is to provide a sound understanding of all the necessary mathematical skills for engineering undergraduates, while also serving as an excellent tool for students to use on their own to revise what they have already learned. The difference between Advanced Engineering Mathematics and other textbooks is its more in-depth outlook. It strives not only to state techniques and ideas but to give proof and meaning behind each topic. Personally I find this method to be much more effective than simply drilling home ideas through the repetition of practice questions.

Unlike some engineering maths textbooks, this one strongly intends to ensure that readers understand the methods before they move on to other topics in the book. This is achieved through the helpful deployment of checklists throughout, where you grade yourself depending on how well you feel you have grasped the topic at hand.

The presentation of ideas, techniques and practice questions throughout is extremely clear, with well-annotated examples included in each section of every topic. Individual topics are accompanied by a wide range of questions, from simple repetitive practice questions to incredibly challenging ones. Helpfully, each topic is also accompanied by test questions, further questions and revision summaries to ensure that students have grasped the concept fully.

Unlike a lot of the textbooks I am currently using, this book makes no assumptions about the level of knowledge of its readers. Assuming that they have passed their first year, students shouldn't have any problem in fully utilising the book as a learning tool. Overall, this text is a must for any engineering undergraduate, and highly recommended for any other student of one of the physical sciences. The range of difficulty accommodates students of all levels of knowledge and the step-by-step approach draws readers in and breaks the content down.

Who is it for? Any physical science student with a good grasp of first-year mathematics.

Presentation: Very clear and easy to follow.

Would you recommend it? Given its in-depth, step-by-step approach and excellent organisational structure, I would strongly recommend this textbook.