What are the recommended preparation steps for an Intro to EE course?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparation steps for an introductory Electrical Engineering (EE) course designed for non-EE majors, focusing on the analysis and design of passive and active circuits. Participants explore the necessity of reviewing electromagnetism concepts versus directly engaging with circuit theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests reviewing all topics of electromagnetism, including electric potential and capacitance, while questioning if direct focus on electric circuits is sufficient.
  • Another participant recommends purchasing the course textbook early and self-studying, arguing against a comprehensive review beforehand.
  • A different viewpoint indicates that the course may not delve deeply into physics, emphasizing that understanding basic relationships in circuits may suffice.
  • One participant mentions a specific textbook, "Electric Circuits" by Nilsson and Riedel, suggesting it could be beneficial for preparation.
  • Another participant notes that knowledge of capacitors, resistors, and inductors is helpful, but states that advanced topics like Gauss's Law and Maxwell's equations are not necessary for basic circuit theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the necessity of reviewing electromagnetism concepts versus focusing on circuit theory. There is no consensus on the best preparation approach, with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight that the course may treat effects as instantaneous and may not require in-depth knowledge of advanced physics concepts, but this remains contingent on the specific curriculum of the course.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for an introductory Electrical Engineering course, particularly those with a background in computer science or related fields, may find this discussion relevant.

sunilkamadolli
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Hello everyone, I am a CS major who will be taking an Introductry course in EE specifically designed for non-EE majors. It covers analysis and design of passive and active circuits. I know that the prerequisite to the class is calculus and engineering physics (electromagnetism). I took the electromagnetism course a while ago and forgot a lot of concepts.

Which is the best way to prepare myself for the course ? Should I review all the topics of electromagnetism like Electric potential, Guassian surface, capacitance, magnetism, inductance etc ? Or can I jump directly to electric circuits ?

Thank you for your time.
 
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I'd just buy the textbook early, and start self-studying. It will probably come fairly easy for you, and anything that doesn't make sense, just look those concepts up in reference texts or your old textbooks. No reason to do a big general review beforehand, IMO. Just start with the class' textbook and get a head start.
 
Honestly, from the description you've provided, it doesn't sound like you'll be doing much on the physics end of the EE spectrum. In my experience (which is limited), circuit classes typically cover abstractions more than anything else. That is, if you know the relation between voltage across and current in a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor, you'll probably be fine.
 
berkeman and Manchot, Thank you for your help.

Anymore suggestions from other people would help ?
 
Nilsson and Riedel's "Electric Circuits" --- see if you can borrow it or get the older 6th edition. (7th ed is the newest one but its really the same thing!)

BTW I don't think you should have to self study--- enjoy your break! (What little you have left!)
 
Yeah it'll be helpful if you recall your knowledge about capacitors, resistors and inductors... but due to the fact that this is basic ckt theory, you treat all effects as instantaneous--- you won't need to know about Gauss Law, wave propagation or maxwell's equations... or anything like that. (And theyll review that stuff if you ever HAVE to come across it).
 
Thanks a lot everyone for all your suggestions. It will save a lot of time. Thanks again !
 

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