EE major that loves physics class but hates computer programming

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by an electrical engineering major who enjoys physics but struggles with programming. Participants explore the implications of programming skills in science and engineering fields, particularly in relation to the electrical engineering curriculum.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the difficulty of completing an electrical engineering degree without a strong interest in programming.
  • Another suggests that switching to physics may not be advisable if programming is disliked, as programming is a significant aspect of physics careers.
  • Some participants note that modern science and engineering heavily rely on computers, questioning the reasons behind the dislike for programming.
  • One participant acknowledges that while programming is important, it is possible to use pre-existing software for many applications, reducing the need for extensive programming knowledge.
  • Another mentions that many electrical engineers engage in programming, sometimes at a low level like assembly language.
  • There is a suggestion that using tools like Mathematica or CAD software can mitigate the need for programming skills, as these tools are designed for users rather than programmers.
  • One participant challenges the original poster to clarify what specifically about programming is disliked, suggesting that it may be related to the details of syntax rather than logical thinking.
  • Another emphasizes that programming is a valuable tool across various fields, including business, and encourages a flexible mindset towards learning it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the necessity and role of programming in engineering and science. There is no consensus on whether one can successfully navigate an electrical engineering degree without programming skills, as opinions vary on the importance of programming in the field.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the relevance of programming in various applications and the potential for using software tools instead of coding. The conversation reflects differing perspectives on the necessity of programming skills in engineering education.

jaydnul
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Is an electrical engineering major like myself going to have a hard time gettin through my bachelors if i can't stand learning a programming language? I love studying the sciences but something about cse bores the crap out of me.
 
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I wouldn't switch to physics if you hate programming. Programming and teaching are the main things that BS in physics graduates do. Maybe chem would be more up your alley?
 
It's hard to do any science or engineering these days without using a computer, and you need to be able to tell the computer what to do. What is it about programming that you "hate"?
 
Maybe hate's a strong word. I just don't enjoy learning a programming language (I usually enjoy studying most subjects, even if they don't pertain to the sciences). Of course someone could say, tough crap, learn it anyways, which i understand since it applies to so much, and i will. I am just weary of going into a field where programming will be my main job duty. So would an EE major have MORE programming duties than your average physics major?
 
phyzguy said:
It's hard to do any science or engineering these days without using a computer, and you need to be able to tell the computer what to do. What is it about programming that you "hate"?

It is true that all science today involves computers somehow.

However, you have canned software for many applications. It is entirely possible to know little programming and just use the canned software.
 
chill_factor said:
It is true that all science today involves computers somehow.

However, you have canned software for many applications. It is entirely possible to know little programming and just use the canned software.

I guess it's possible to just use Mathematica or something.
 
Every ee I know does programming. Sometimes in assembly!
 
Best Pokemon said:
I guess it's possible to just use Mathematica or something.

For more complicated things you need CAD style simulation software. The number of people that can write these simulations is vastly smaller than the number of people that are required to use the results of these simulations. So a company writes the software and sells user licenses.
 
lundyjb said:
Is an electrical engineering major like myself going to have a hard time gettin through my bachelors if i can't stand learning a programming language? I love studying the sciences but something about cse bores the crap out of me.

This always mystifies me when people say things like this. Try to help me understand. What is it about learning to code that you dislike? Learning to code is simply learning to think logically and capture your ideas in an unambiguous way. If you like science, it is surprising that you dislike thinking logically. Is it learning the details of the syntax that bothers you? If you write is "pseudo-code" (which captures the algorithm without requiring that the syntax is perfect), does this help?
 
  • #10
You don't have to love programming, its just a tool that make many things easy.
And programming is everywhere, even Business majors learn it in one form or another.

Be open and avoid closed mindedness (i.e. since I hate programming I will not learn it), flexibility is a part of the solution.
Engineering & Sciences require flexibility and agility.

If you go to a job interview and you show that you dislike programming then its a disaster.
 

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