A "what should I self study this summer?" thread

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around suggestions for self-study topics during the summer for an electrical engineering major who has completed foundational courses in mathematics and physics. Participants explore various subjects that could enhance the individual's knowledge and skills, considering both technical and broader educational pursuits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests studying partial differential equations (PDEs) or complex analysis as potentially useful math topics.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of learning non-STEM topics for a well-rounded education.
  • A different participant argues that self-studying electromagnetism could be beneficial for better performance in the upcoming course.
  • There is a question about the depth of coverage for complex analysis and Fourier analysis, with a suggestion that they are closely related.
  • One participant mentions a specific textbook, "Complex Analysis for Scientists and Engineers," as a resource for self-study.
  • Another participant recommends considering a math methods book that includes complex analysis and Fourier series, citing Kreyszig and Boas as potential options.
  • A participant advises that reviewing old material and solving new problems is valuable for maintaining skills.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the value of self-study topics, with some advocating for specific subjects while others emphasize the importance of reviewing past material. No consensus is reached on a single best approach or topic for study.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the uncertainty regarding the depth of complex analysis and Fourier analysis in their curriculum, indicating that self-study may vary in necessity based on individual course requirements.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in electrical engineering or related fields considering self-study options during summer breaks, as well as those interested in balancing technical education with broader learning.

axmls
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I just finished my sophomore year as an electrical engineering major. Now I've got a summer free (well, I work until 4:30), and I'd like to use it to self study something (one or more topics).

So far, I've taken Calculus 1-3 as well as an ordinary differential equations course. I've taken two courses in circuits (one which primarily focused on signals), two courses in digital design, and an introductory mechanics and an introductory E&M physics course.

I was thinking I could study something math-related that would be useful to me down the road. Something like PDEs or Complex Analysis. My second thought was to get a head start on some electromagnetism, but I don't want that to be a waste of time since I'll be taking a course on it anyway.

Any good suggestions as to things that would be helpful for me to learn over the summer? I'm open to things useful to a wide variety of EE areas or related areas of science and math. Emphasis on things important to EE, but perhaps there's something interesting out there that's not particularly helpful, but is still interesting.
 
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Congrats on a successful school year! Don't forget to study and learn non STEM topics so you are a well rounded human being :smile:
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Congrats on a successful school year! Don't forget to study and learn non STEM topics so you are a well rounded human being :smile:

Of course, I always keep a little room for a little history buffing.
 
. My second thought was to get a head start on some electromagnetism, but I don't want that to be a waste of time since I'll be taking a course on it anyway.
Bad way to think. Learn it on your own if possible so that you do better when you enroll in it to study. Use the free time to prepare.
 
symbolipoint said:
Bad way to think. Learn it on your own if possible so that you do better when you enroll in it to study. Use the free time to prepare.

I've already done some slight self study on E&M, but I want to explore several options, since there could be some useful topics I should study that I won't be learning in the classroom, yet would be useful to me regardless.
 
How deeply will you be covering complex analysis and Fourier analysis (they're the same thing basically)? That might be an option?
 
All of our complex and Fourier analysis is learned on the fly. We are not required to take a formal course in complex analysis. These are probably the ones I'm leaning towards most (in addition to reviewing some chemistry, since we aren't required to take a chemistry course). I have a textbook called "Complex Analysis for Scientists and Engineers" at home that I'm thinking about working through.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Don't discount the value of review. I suggest spending some time doing new problems from old material. Keep those skills sharp.
 

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