Some Thoughts on Mathematical Education

This paper explores the growth of mathematical studies in recent times and suggests future patterns that may occur in mathematical curricula. It is proposed that courses in the History and Methods of Mathematics, Mathematical Engineering (rather than Engineering Mathematics) and Mathematics and Education should be used to widen the curriculum choices for the mathematical student of the future. Finally, in illustrating the application of mathematics to the study of Noise and Vibration it is shown that, in such an investigation, mathematics cannot be an end in itself but can be greatly helped by a knowledge of other physical disciplines.