3 answers
Jaquelin
Student
Des Moines, Washington
1
Question
Asked
397 views
What are the best courses for engineering or architecture ?
What are the best courses for engineering or architecture?
Login to comment
3 answers
Tony Riccobono
Technical Program Manager
18
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Engineering and architecture are broad disciplines in that there are many types of engineering and many types of things you can design. When you pick a major or a particular type of engineering or architecture to focus there will be courses specific to the discipline that you are studying or practicing. But here are some general recommendations. I'm not sure if you are in high school or college, these answers are focused more at the college level but you can certainly get started on these areas in high school:
==> Math courses: Most disciplines will need a solid foundation in math, so courses in calculus, differential equations and linear algebra are usually beneficial. Today, there is a lot of software that will do this math for you so you may not have to use math all the time - but you should still have a foundation in math to understand how to apply the software to the problem you are trying to solve.
==> Writing/communication: the best ideas will go nowhere if you cannot explain them clearly and concisely to convince someone to accept your idea or recommendation. You will be writing detailed proposals or presentations that other engineers will review and use to question your ideas and premises, and you will also be writing documents and emails that may be targeted to non-engineers, where you need to find a way to express your ideas or assertions in a way that they can comprehend.
==> Software/coding. Everything has software in it. A car has over 100 electronic control modules that each have embedded software. Modern buildings have software for climate control, energy savings, security and other functions. In addition, many aspects of engineering or design look like writing software - digital integrated circuits are described using hardware description languages, not schematics. Analyzing data means accessing databases, and a complex design with many parts will typically use aa revision control system to manage files generated by many engineers in multiple locations. Having a fundamental understanding of software concepts and coding in modern languages such as python is required for engineers.
==> Cross-disciplinary courses. If you are a mechanical engineer or architect, don't just take mechanical engineering or architecture courses. Consider courses that may be adjacent to your field such as circuit design, materials engineering, plus software as I mentioned above. One of my favorite courses was an acoustics class, in part because acoustics concepts tied electrical engineering and mechanical engineering concepts together. Plus, learning what goes into the design of really good speakers was fascinating.
I hope this helps!
==> Math courses: Most disciplines will need a solid foundation in math, so courses in calculus, differential equations and linear algebra are usually beneficial. Today, there is a lot of software that will do this math for you so you may not have to use math all the time - but you should still have a foundation in math to understand how to apply the software to the problem you are trying to solve.
==> Writing/communication: the best ideas will go nowhere if you cannot explain them clearly and concisely to convince someone to accept your idea or recommendation. You will be writing detailed proposals or presentations that other engineers will review and use to question your ideas and premises, and you will also be writing documents and emails that may be targeted to non-engineers, where you need to find a way to express your ideas or assertions in a way that they can comprehend.
==> Software/coding. Everything has software in it. A car has over 100 electronic control modules that each have embedded software. Modern buildings have software for climate control, energy savings, security and other functions. In addition, many aspects of engineering or design look like writing software - digital integrated circuits are described using hardware description languages, not schematics. Analyzing data means accessing databases, and a complex design with many parts will typically use aa revision control system to manage files generated by many engineers in multiple locations. Having a fundamental understanding of software concepts and coding in modern languages such as python is required for engineers.
==> Cross-disciplinary courses. If you are a mechanical engineer or architect, don't just take mechanical engineering or architecture courses. Consider courses that may be adjacent to your field such as circuit design, materials engineering, plus software as I mentioned above. One of my favorite courses was an acoustics class, in part because acoustics concepts tied electrical engineering and mechanical engineering concepts together. Plus, learning what goes into the design of really good speakers was fascinating.
I hope this helps!
Bart Barton
Telecommunication Architect
9
Answers
Prague, Czechia
Updated
Bart’s Answer
I'm having a bit of trouble understanding your question, but I'm going to do my best to help you out. Are we talking about Engineering and Architecture in the context of software and coding? I'll go ahead and answer from that perspective.
Starting off, the basic requirement is a solid understanding of coding. This doesn't just mean knowing different programming languages, but also mastering best practices, understanding data models, and knowing how to arrange data for efficient processing. Once you've got a handle on coding, it's important to stay updated with the latest trends in coding and learn to work effectively in a team. I'm not sure if there's a specific course for this, but a degree in Computer Science from any reputable institution should cover these aspects.
Now, when it comes to the role of an Architect, it's a slightly different ball game. Speaking from my experience as a Telecommunication Architect, it's more about a certain mindset. Some people naturally gravitate towards this role, much like how some people are naturally better swimmers. As an Architect, you'll find yourself understanding things from a broader perspective, thinking beyond your code, and considering the customer's needs. This holistic understanding is what sets an Architect apart. It's also worth noting that the role of an Architect often aligns more with pre-sales, while a Software Engineer is more involved in post-sales.
Becoming an Architect can be a natural progression for some, but there are also many other paths to explore after mastering Software Engineering.
I hope this answers your question!
Starting off, the basic requirement is a solid understanding of coding. This doesn't just mean knowing different programming languages, but also mastering best practices, understanding data models, and knowing how to arrange data for efficient processing. Once you've got a handle on coding, it's important to stay updated with the latest trends in coding and learn to work effectively in a team. I'm not sure if there's a specific course for this, but a degree in Computer Science from any reputable institution should cover these aspects.
Now, when it comes to the role of an Architect, it's a slightly different ball game. Speaking from my experience as a Telecommunication Architect, it's more about a certain mindset. Some people naturally gravitate towards this role, much like how some people are naturally better swimmers. As an Architect, you'll find yourself understanding things from a broader perspective, thinking beyond your code, and considering the customer's needs. This holistic understanding is what sets an Architect apart. It's also worth noting that the role of an Architect often aligns more with pre-sales, while a Software Engineer is more involved in post-sales.
Becoming an Architect can be a natural progression for some, but there are also many other paths to explore after mastering Software Engineering.
I hope this answers your question!
Kris Cousino
Construction management
58
Answers
Toledo, Ohio
Updated
Kris’s Answer
If your dream is to become an engineer or an architect while you're still in high school, I strongly recommend taking classes in subjects like math, physics, and chemistry. Understanding trigonometry well will give you a significant advantage in college.
Once you get to college, you'll typically have a few semesters to finalize your major. Most engineering programs require certain foundational courses during your first year. Don't rush the decision-making process; take your time to figure out which field suits you best. Consider reaching out to your professors and ask if they can connect you with professionals in the area you're interested in. This way, you can arrange a phone interview to learn more about their daily work.
Lastly, I might be a bit biased here, given my extensive experience in Civil Engineering, but unless you're significantly more passionate about art than math, I'd suggest choosing engineering over architecture. Engineers play a crucial role in making things work correctly. Especially in large-scale commercial construction projects, an engineer's decisions often take precedence over those of an architect.
Once you get to college, you'll typically have a few semesters to finalize your major. Most engineering programs require certain foundational courses during your first year. Don't rush the decision-making process; take your time to figure out which field suits you best. Consider reaching out to your professors and ask if they can connect you with professionals in the area you're interested in. This way, you can arrange a phone interview to learn more about their daily work.
Lastly, I might be a bit biased here, given my extensive experience in Civil Engineering, but unless you're significantly more passionate about art than math, I'd suggest choosing engineering over architecture. Engineers play a crucial role in making things work correctly. Especially in large-scale commercial construction projects, an engineer's decisions often take precedence over those of an architect.