- #1
JesseJC
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In your experience, what were the most difficult intro courses in engineering with the highest failure rates? calculus, physics?
What are the main weed out classes in engineering?
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The discussion identifies key "weed-out" classes in engineering, highlighting calculus, physics, thermodynamics, and statics as courses with high failure rates. Many participants note that these challenging courses often lead students to change majors early in their academic careers. The conversation emphasizes that the difficulty of these classes is compounded by varying teaching styles and student preparedness. Additionally, there's a consensus that these early courses are crucial in determining students' commitment to the engineering field. Overall, the tough nature of these introductory classes serves to filter out those who may not be fully dedicated to the discipline.
- #2
clope023
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JesseJC said:
At my alma matter it was thermodynamics for the ME's and integrated circuits for the EE's.
- #3
axmls
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It varies. At my school, for all engineers, it's physics I and calc II.
- #4
billy_joule
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At my school it's multi variable calculus (60% pass rate last year) & thermodynamics (70% pass rate last I heard)
- #5
Loststudent22
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Physics 2 and Calc 2 freshman year have a high fail rate here
I think the classes only get harder but a lot of people freshman year change majors when they realize it's not for them.
I think the classes only get harder but a lot of people freshman year change majors when they realize it's not for them.
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JesseJC said:
Here, the main 'weed-out' engineering class is 'Statics', which is also the first real engineering class they take. Prior to that, the primary obstacles are Calc I and II and Physics I and II.
- #7
tygerdawg
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"Weed out" course? <cringe> 
<urk!>
We have all experienced the negative aspects of how things are taught versus one's learning style. Or the quality of some instructors. But there are plenty of students who attempt to take <select course from list above> who are insufficiently prepared and/or motivated to achieve. Or to work harder and overcome their deficiencies. The subject matter is tough for a reason. Not everyone has what it takes.
<urk!>We have all experienced the negative aspects of how things are taught versus one's learning style. Or the quality of some instructors. But there are plenty of students who attempt to take <select course from list above> who are insufficiently prepared and/or motivated to achieve. Or to work harder and overcome their deficiencies. The subject matter is tough for a reason. Not everyone has what it takes.
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axmls
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tygerdawg said:"Weed out" course? <cringe>
We have all experienced the negative aspects of how things are taught versus one's learning style. Or the quality of some instructors. But there are plenty of students who attempt to take <select course from list above> who are insufficiently prepared and/or motivated to achieve. Or to work harder and overcome their deficiencies. The subject matter is tough for a reason. Not everyone has what it takes.
I agree with this. Funny how all of the weed out courses are early in the curriculum.
It is probably more likely that they're easier, but filled with more people who aren't willing to put in the effort.
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