- #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?
- Thread starter JesseJC
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Discussion Overview
The discussion focuses on identifying the most challenging introductory courses in engineering that are perceived as having high failure rates, often referred to as "weed-out" classes. Participants share their experiences and observations regarding various subjects such as calculus, physics, thermodynamics, and statics.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- Some participants mention calculus and physics as commonly difficult courses with high failure rates.
- One participant cites thermodynamics for mechanical engineers and integrated circuits for electrical engineers as particularly challenging at their institution.
- Another participant notes that physics I and calculus II are seen as difficult at their school.
- A participant reports a 60% pass rate for multivariable calculus and a 70% pass rate for thermodynamics at their school.
- Physics II and calculus II are highlighted as having high fail rates during the freshman year by another participant.
- Statics is identified as a significant "weed-out" class, being the first real engineering course for some students, with prior challenges in calculus and physics.
- Concerns are raised about the teaching methods and the preparedness of students, suggesting that some students may not be sufficiently motivated or prepared for the challenges of these courses.
- There is a suggestion that the early placement of these courses in the curriculum may contribute to their perception as "weed-out" classes.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views on which courses are the most challenging, indicating that there is no consensus on a definitive list of "weed-out" classes. Some agree on specific subjects while others highlight different experiences.
Contextual Notes
Participants' claims are based on personal experiences and may vary significantly by institution. The discussion reflects a variety of perspectives on student preparedness and teaching quality, which are not universally applicable.
- #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
Education Advisor
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It varies. At my school, for all engineers, it's physics I and calc II.
- #4
billy_joule
Homework Helper
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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.
- #6
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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.
- #8
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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