Help choosing modules for electrical engineer - electronics degree

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around choosing the most suitable modules for an electronics engineering degree, specifically in the context of preparing for a career in electrical engineering. Participants explore different combinations of modules that include electronics, mechanical engineering, physics, and software engineering, considering their relevance to future job prospects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines two potential module paths (A and B) for their degree, highlighting the inclusion of engineering core modules, electronics, mechanical engineering, and physics.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice of modules should align with the specific area of electrical engineering (EE) the original poster is interested in, noting that mechanical engineering (ME) classes may not be beneficial unless focused on robotics or electromechanical systems.
  • The original poster expresses a broad interest in various electrical engineering roles, including electronic products and electrical machines, and seeks to enhance employability beyond just electronics roles.
  • There is a suggestion that software engineering modules could also be a viable alternative to mechanical modules, although this option is not fully explored in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best module combination, as differing opinions exist regarding the relevance of mechanical engineering versus physics or software engineering modules for a career in electrical engineering.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the impact of different module choices on future employability and the specific requirements of electrical engineering roles in their area.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering an electronics or electrical engineering degree, particularly those evaluating module choices and their implications for career paths in electrical engineering.

bigmike94
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TL;DR Summary: Which path would be best. Physics or mechanical for electrical engineering.

My uni doesn’t offer electrical engineering but offers electronics engineering.

Looking for advice from anyone in industry or similar.

I’m on an open STEM degree and I’m following the electronics route, upon graduating I want to be an electronics or electrical engineer (I am self studying extra electrical topics).

But in stages 2 and 3 I have a couple of “spare” credits I need to use.

For my desired career path would it be more suitable to choose

A)
stage 1:

• Engineering core A (has some electricity topics)

• Engineering core B (this module has nothing to do with electricity)

• Electronics 1

• Mechanical engineering heat and flow

Stage 2:

• Electronics 2

• Nanoscale engineering

• Mechanical computer aided engineering

• Communications technology

OR

B )

Stage 1:

• Engineering core a

• Physics: classical to quantum (has electricity topics and I’m already familiar with the topics taught) (60 credits)

• Electronics 1

Stage 2:

• Electronics 2

• Nanoscale Engineering

• Electromagnetism (physics module)

• Communication technology
To confuse things more. I could also follow a different path that cuts out the mechanical modules and replaces them with software engineering modules.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I’ll sum it up and make it a bit more digestible;

Electronics & Mechanical

Electronics & Physics

Electronics & Software
 
What kind of work do you want to do in EE? What specialties interest you?

My extra classes were in Physics and CS; I don't think any ME classes would have helped me in my EE career. But if you're into robotics and electromechanical systems, the ME classes would help that.
 
berkeman said:
What kind of work do you want to do in EE? What specialties interest you?

My extra classes were in Physics and CS; I don't think any ME classes would have helped me in my EE career. But if you're into robotics and electromechanical systems, the ME classes would help that.
anything electrical to be honest, the subject is fascinating, but ideally electronic products or electrical machines etc. I just want to improve my employability and not just have to stick to applying for electronic roles, even though that would be the preferred career path, I’d like to apply for a broad range of electrical engineering roles.

There’s EE graduate jobs in my area that mention electronics degrees are welcome but I’d still like to better prepare myself
 

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