What areas of study does electrical engineering cover

AI Thread Summary
Electrical engineering primarily encompasses physics, electronic circuits, and extensive mathematics, with minimal chemistry involved. Key branches include power/control systems, digital logic circuits, computer engineering, and communications, all grounded in general circuit theory. The curriculum typically requires foundational courses in chemistry, physics, and advanced mathematics, leading to specialized topics like control systems and semiconductor circuits. Career paths in electrical engineering can vary, with a Master's degree often necessary for better job prospects and specialization opportunities. Overall, a solid educational background and self-driven learning are crucial for success in this field.
land_of_ice
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This is my best guess, would this be correct? Electrical engineering is about physics and electronic circuits mostly, and quite a bit of math, and a little chemistry, a small amount of that. Does electrical engineering involve anything else?
 
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I haven't seen any chemistry in EE yet. Here are the branches of EE at my University:

Power/Control - motors, generators, and control systems, transmission lines

Digital - Logic circuits (very simple computers)

Computer Engineering

Communications (electromagnetic waves)

All of the branches involve general circuit theory too, of course, including transistors and signal analysis.
 
land_of_ice said:
and quite a bit of math

Not a bit but a lot, especially in Engineering Electromagnetics and in Communication Systems and in Microwave Engineering.

I think there are a little chemistry in High Voltage.
 
Your starting curriculum will typically include two semesters of introductory chemistry along with one semester each of Newtonian modern physics. You'll typically have a couple of semesters of English, History, and Liberal studies (just for torture). Then, all the math up to and including diff eq, linear systems, and calc III. You'll likely get a smattering of the other schools of study such as a semester each of static structures, dynamic structures, and thermodynamics.

Then, you're ready to dig into electronics :)

Basics include circuit theory, linear systems (good for understanding control and communications systems), motors / generators, numerical methods (using computers with math to solve problems).

A little higher is electromagnetic fields and waves (a fairly tough course - lots of math), control systems, semiconductor circuits, digital design

Finally, you get to choose what you want to concentrate on for your career: communications, signal processing, programming, advanced control systems, logic design (a very profitable one these days), power electronics (my original direction), bio-med.

A heads up is in order. It's hard for a newbee to break into a good job without a Masters. Generally, a BSEE has to settle for a rotten job, put in a few years, and develop his talent. I've seen guys go home at night and teach themselves the specialty that helps them break into a good paying job, but that takes talent.

A Masters degree is a different story altogether. Get a Masters in a desirable field and you don't have to compete nearly as much.

I wish you well,

Mike
 
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