Is High School Physics Enough Preparation for Electrical Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the adequacy of high school physics preparation for pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, particularly in the context of a student's concerns about the lack of focus on electricity and magnetism in their high school curriculum. Participants share their experiences and offer advice regarding the transition to university-level physics and engineering courses.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the insufficient coverage of electrical and magnetic concepts in their high school physics courses and worries about preparedness for university studies.
  • Another participant reassures that first-year university courses will help bridge any gaps in knowledge, noting that many students face similar challenges and that professors are aware of varying high school backgrounds.
  • A later reply emphasizes that professors are generally supportive and interested in helping students, countering the notion that they are indifferent or harsh.
  • Participants suggest that self-study and utilizing available resources can further aid in preparation for university-level material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that high school physics may not fully prepare students for university-level electrical engineering, but there is no consensus on the extent of this issue. Some express confidence in the support provided by university professors, while others share concerns about the transition.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the variability in high school physics curricula and the differing levels of preparedness among students entering university. There is also a lack of specific recommendations for self-study materials or resources.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a degree in electrical engineering, particularly those concerned about their high school physics background and its impact on their university studies.

mike_302
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Hi all

My post-secondary desires have been to study electrical engineering. I think I have the mental capacity (and the rare love of math--> at least rare in my school) to get me through some sort of engineering course in university, and I have always loved... Connecting electronics together --> plugging things in, connecting electronics to make them work together and do anything I need. So that is how I deduced electrical engineering.

Anyways, my high school physics course seems to be lacking in the electrical and magnetical aspect of physics in both grade 11 and 12 so I have been worried as of late, that I might be lacking what I need to get along in MAcmaster University (Ontario) physics and engineering courses... Especially come second third and fourth years where I will have to specialize in electricity more so than first year.

Any words of wisdom, support, or guidance for me here? BTW, forget asking hte teacher to stear towards electricity. He thinks I'm a great student and all, but he doesn't want to change his plan for the year to include more electricity than he absolutly needs to teach.
 
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I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just do well with what they teach you. Your first year university courses will get you up to speed and prepare you for upper year stuff. My high school physics courses (in Ontario) also lacked in the electricity and magnetism area, as well as some others. So in my first year physics course there was new stuff that I hadn't seen before. It was like that for lots of people, and the professors are aware of it. You can always study it on your own as well. Maybe your teacher could recommend some material for that.
 
thanks a lot. definitely encouraging to know that prof's won't be so harsh about it. It seems like all I hear about post-secondary is that the prof's are there to make your life hell, they don't care how well you do, they would rather be studying stuff for their own work than teaching, etc etc etc. It makes my fears much worse.
 
Well, I don't believe (most) professors are out to make the students' lives hell. In my experience they are genuinely interested in helping students. They like to share their knowledge! Yes, you will have to work hard and it may seem like hell at times, but that's what you get for studying a difficult subject! haha

Just make use of all the resources available to you and you should do fine.
 

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