Daniel
what is the hardest thing about learning electrical engineering?
Hi, I was wondering what is the biggest hurdle in learning history? #engineering #electrical-engineering #electrical
4 answers
Rudy Sadkowski
Rudy’s Answer
Daniel Moy
Daniel’s Answer
I mean this answer will vary based on your skillset. If your multivariate calc is not good, any of the signals or t-lines classes will be killer. Earlier than that, if your linear algebra is not good, some of the fundamental circuits courses can be pretty difficult (e.g. basic analog circuits are trivial to do with linear algebra, but hard to wrap your head around otherwise). If your discrete math / logic isn't up to snuff, architecture can be a pain (unless you already know a lot of programming and can work backwards), because thinking like a robot ain't an easy thing to get used to. (If you're noticing a common theme here about what causes difficulty in EE programs, don't neglect your math!) For me personally the two hardest things were:
- that first course that went deep into op amps (one of the analog ones, I don't remember). I still have nightmares about this over a decade later.
- one of the later microcontroller labs, specifically having to grind through all the different bus protocols (uart, spi, i2c, can, usb) with little-to-no direction. Oh god the spec sheets, so many spec sheets.
Admittedly I'm ~8+ years out of EE now, so some of this is a bit hazy. Also I can't tell you what the hardest thing after Uni is, because, well, I just went into software professionally, not EE. If the disparity between Uni & professional EE is anything like the disparity between Uni & professional software development, then I would imagine that the hardest things to learn come on the job. (Though I got the sense that Uni EE was a lot more grounded in reality than CS was, so I dunno)
Christopher Rutledge
Christopher’s Answer
Daniel,
What's up? Great question and I'll keep my answer brief. But the hardest thing about learning engineering is not really specific to engineering. It's specific and common to the overall college experience. You want to make sure that not too much gets in the way of your learning. So time management is something you'll want to get a handle on. But to your question...The hardest thing is to not let your work back up on you. You see, everything you learn is pretty much a tool to be used at the next level. So missing out on any previous step makes for an uphill climb. For example, if you let your math courses back up on you (or you get behind in them), then the next set of courses that depend on math are going to be rough on you. So if you can keep procrastination at bay and have good time management skills, you should be fine.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Daniel,
Understanding the Intricacies of Electrical Engineering
Embarking on the journey of learning electrical engineering can be quite daunting due to the intricate and abstract nature of the subject. The course requires a deep understanding of various complex concepts related to electricity, circuits, signals, and systems. These concepts can be challenging to comprehend, but they are the backbone of electrical engineering.
The Role of Mathematics in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is heavily entrenched in mathematical principles and calculations, which can be another significant challenge for students. To thrive in this field, students must have a solid foundation in mathematics. The use of advanced mathematical concepts like calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra is vital in solving intricate electrical problems.
The Importance of Practical Experience
Mastering the theoretical aspects of electrical engineering is not enough; practical hands-on experience is equally crucial. Many students find it difficult to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and design functional electrical systems. To overcome this, it is essential to develop practical skills through laboratory experiments, projects, and internships.
Keeping Up with Technological Advancements
The field of electrical engineering is continuously evolving, which can be overwhelming for students. To stay competitive in the job market, students need to keep up with the latest technologies and industry trends. This requires a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability.
Balancing Workload and Time Management
Managing time and workload can be quite challenging for electrical engineering students. Balancing coursework, projects, assignments, and exams, while maintaining a high level of understanding in complex topics, can be demanding and stressful.
In essence, the toughest aspects of learning electrical engineering are the subject's complexity, the reliance on mathematical principles, the need for practical experience, keeping up with technological advancements, and managing a heavy workload.
Top 3 Reliable Sources for Further Reference:
IEEE Xplore Digital Library - This digital library, run by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and its partners, offers a vast collection of research articles, conference papers, standards, and journals related to electrical engineering.
MIT OpenCourseWare - This online platform provides free access to course materials from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offering a wide range of resources on electrical engineering topics.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) - NSPE is a professional organization that promotes the ethical and professional practice of engineering. Their publications and resources offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by engineers in various disciplines, including electrical engineering.
May God bless you!
JCF.