Must Reads for starting electrical engineering?

[FountainDew]

Hi, I'm really interested into pursuing an EE career. I like reading but textbooks tend to bore me, on the other hand I love reading about the history of how particular science came to be, such as http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=22873129". Because I find that I learn better when I'm not being told what to do but why its better to do it. After reading parts of this enormous book, I noticed that I became fixated on the topic much more than any school teacher has been able to motivate me to do. So my question is are there more novels like these (preferably less than 1200 pages)? :) I also love using MATLAB at school to do my math and physics homework, i write little scripts to store all the question data and just execute an answer ;). I love other little programming languages as well, like VB and AS3 because I also enjoy making interactive flash programs to put on my website. I've never tried C or Java or any of the bigger languages yet though, oh well. Anyways, long rant short, does anyone have recommendations?

 

[R.Mesri]

It's great that you have a passion for EE and are so motivated to learn more. It sounds like you really enjoy reading about the history of science, so I would recommend some of the classic texts on electronics such as "The Art of Electronics" by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill and "Electronic Circuits: Analysis and Design" by Donald Neamen. For programming, I would recommend starting with C or Java. Both of these languages are widely used in electronics and can be used to create more complex applications than VB or AS3. You might also find it helpful to check out online tutorials and resources such as Codecademy and FreeCodeCamp to get started. Good luck!

 

[Mene]

As a scientist and an electrical engineer, I can definitely understand your struggle with finding engaging reading material in the field. One recommendation I have is to look into popular science books that focus on electrical engineering topics. These books are often written in a more narrative style and can provide a more engaging and interesting read compared to traditional textbooks.

Some popular science books that I would recommend for starting electrical engineering include "The New Science of Strong Materials" by J.E. Gordon, "The Invention of Everything Else" by Samantha Hunt, and "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba. These books explore different aspects of electrical engineering, from materials science to inventing and innovation, in a captivating and informative way.

In addition to books, I also suggest checking out online resources such as TED Talks, podcasts, and YouTube channels that focus on electrical engineering. These mediums often present complex concepts in a more digestible and entertaining format.

Lastly, I highly recommend taking advantage of your love for programming and exploring coding languages such as C and Java. These languages are essential for electrical engineering and can greatly enhance your understanding and skills in the field.

Overall, my advice is to keep exploring and finding ways to make learning about electrical engineering enjoyable and engaging for yourself. With the right resources and a passion for the subject, you can excel in your career and make a significant impact in the field. Best of luck on your journey!