Careers in Electronics: Math Topics & Classes for Study

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the necessary mathematics topics and classes relevant to a career in electronics, particularly from the perspective of someone pursuing a technician role. Participants explore the adequacy of current math education and consider additional subjects that may enhance their understanding and skills in electronics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with the quality of math classes, noting that essential topics in algebra and calculus were poorly covered or omitted entirely.
  • There is a request for guidance on which specific math topics are most applicable in electronics, beyond the commonly known areas like complex numbers and trigonometry.
  • Another participant questions the specifics of the original poster's career path, asking whether they are aiming to be an electronics technician or an electrical engineer, and highlights the challenges of self-studying advanced math subjects.
  • The original poster mentions interest in topics such as vector spaces, integral applications, and series expansions, indicating a desire for a more robust mathematical foundation.
  • A later reply suggests that for an electronics technician, a less comprehensive math background may suffice compared to that required for a full electrical engineer, emphasizing practical skills over theoretical knowledge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of advanced math for technicians versus engineers, and there are differing opinions on the adequacy of current math education in relation to the needs of the field.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the original poster's math education, including specific topics that were not covered, and the potential need for additional resources or tutoring to fill these gaps.

toxique
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Hi dudes, sorry if this is the wrong area for this post.

I am doing a career in electronics. I realize that math classes are of a very poor quality (Algebra an Calculus I) Lots of topics were discarded cause lack of time, so i decided to study them on my own.

The question is, what topics in algebra and calculus I (and II) are by far most applied in electronics? (besides complex numbers, trigonometry, equation systems, matrixes & determ. ) Any special theorems?

what about other subjects as numerical analysis, statistics, differential equations for example?

Any clue is really welcome. I am seriusly thinking enrollying in physics career due of its hardcore math classes.

Best regards.
 
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>I am doing a career in electronics.

Can you be a little more specific? Are you thinking of becoming an electronics technician, or a full EE? If EE, what kind of specialty are you thinking of? In my own experience, it is very difficult to learn calculus and the other EE math subjects on your own with self-study. Why do you say that your math classes are of poor quality? What country and what school are you at now?
 
math

Hi Berkeman, thanks for your prompt reply. Just a technician. Unfortunately I do not have the time to make a full engineering degree (full time job, wife, etc.)

Do not take me wrong. I just finished Algebra an Calculus I, but topics very poorly covered, or just NOT covered at all are spaces, vectorial spaces, integral applications (solids, archs), riemann, cauchy, lagrange, taylor series, hyperbolics among others.

The career in physics is at the same technical institute, but it has a more serious and complete math curricula.
 
For an electronics technician, you will not need as complete a math background as for a full EE. Being good with electronics equipment, and doing good prototype work and testing are the most important, at least for the technicians that we have here at my work.

I'm not sure exactly what the differences would be for a physics technician, except the need to be very good with mechanical things in addition to electronics. If that degree path has more math, then they must be preparing folks for some kind of specialized technician work. You might see if you can find an extra class or a tutor or something, to help you with understanding the coursework that wasn't covered very well.
 
Hi bekerman, thanks a lot for your advice!
best regards.
 

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