Advanced Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB® (Advances in Applied Mathematics) by Dean G. Duffy (Author)

 

In the ever-evolving landscape of engineering education and applied mathematics, it’s rare to find a book that bridges theory and computation as seamlessly as Dean G. Duffy’s Advanced Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB®. A part of the Advances in Applied Mathematics series, this book is more than just a reference—it’s a toolkit for modern engineers, scientists, and applied mathematicians working in an increasingly computational world.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is primarily targeted toward upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, and related disciplines. It assumes a foundational knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, and basic differential equations—so it's not a beginner's text, but rather a powerful extension of the mathematical core many STEM students already possess.

What’s Inside?

Duffy takes a classical set of advanced mathematical topics—such as:

• Partial differential equations (PDEs)

• Fourier and Laplace transforms

• Vector calculus

• Complex variables

• Green’s functions

• Numerical methods

• Integral equations

—and integrates them tightly with MATLAB®, demonstrating how to use this powerful platform not just for calculations, but for understanding.

The inclusion of MATLAB® throughout the text makes the theoretical work tangible. Rather than being confined to abstract proofs and pencil-and-paper computations, Duffy encourages the reader to simulate, visualize, and experiment—making the book especially valuable in our computationally driven era.

What Makes It Stand Out?

1. Computational Integration
   While many math texts reference MATLAB® as an afterthought, Duffy weaves it into the fabric of the explanations. This is not just a mathematics book that "also" uses MATLAB®—it’s a truly integrated approach.

2. Application-Focused
   True to its name, this book leans into applications. Whether you're modeling heat transfer, wave propagation, or complex fluid dynamics, Duffy provides context and relevance. The mathematical tools are shown solving real engineering problems.

3. Clear Explanations with Depth
   Despite the advanced level of material, the author maintains clarity in explanation. Where possible, he provides intuition before diving into technical rigor—something especially appreciated by engineers who want to apply concepts, not just derive them.

4. Problem Sets and MATLAB® Code
   Each chapter ends with problem sets that challenge both theoretical understanding and computational implementation. The MATLAB® code snippets are practical, clean, and reproducible—making the book a solid resource even for self-learners.

Potential Drawbacks

• Steep Learning Curve
  For readers without prior exposure to MATLAB® or with weak foundations in advanced calculus or linear algebra, the book can be challenging. It assumes a solid background.

• MATLAB® Dependency
  While this is a strength for many, some readers might prefer examples in Python or other open-source environments. This book is squarely aimed at MATLAB® users.

Final Thoughts

Advanced Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB® by Dean G. Duffy is a robust, thoughtful, and highly practical guide for tackling complex mathematical problems with computational tools. It doesn't just teach you how to solve equations—it teaches you why the methods work and how to use modern software to do it efficiently.

For students heading into graduate work, professionals tackling real-world simulations, or educators looking for a contemporary textbook, Duffy’s work is a standout choice.

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Rating: 4.5/5

Pros:

• Excellent integration of theory and MATLAB®

• Application-rich approach

• Well-structured for both classroom and self-study

Cons:

• Requires solid mathematical and programming background

• MATLAB®-centric (not ideal for non-MATLAB users)

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Have you used this book in your coursework or professional work? Let me know your thoughts or experiences in the comments.

Buy Now: Advanced Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB® (Advances in Applied Mathematics) 6th Edition, Kindle Edition by Dean G. Duffy (Author)