What areas of study does electrical engineering cover

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the areas of study encompassed by electrical engineering, including its foundational subjects and various branches. Participants explore the relationship between electrical engineering and disciplines such as physics, mathematics, and chemistry, while also detailing specific fields within electrical engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that electrical engineering primarily involves physics and electronic circuits, with some mathematics and a minor role for chemistry.
  • Another participant lists branches of electrical engineering at their university, including Power/Control, Digital, Computer Engineering, and Communications, emphasizing the importance of general circuit theory.
  • A different participant argues that mathematics is heavily involved in areas such as Engineering Electromagnetics, Communication Systems, and Microwave Engineering, and mentions a minor role for chemistry in High Voltage studies.
  • Another contribution outlines a typical curriculum for electrical engineering students, which includes introductory chemistry, physics, and extensive mathematics, followed by specialized courses in electronics, control systems, and various concentrations for career paths.
  • One participant warns that breaking into a good job in electrical engineering often requires a Master's degree, suggesting that a Bachelor's degree may lead to less desirable job opportunities initially.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the role of chemistry in electrical engineering, with some asserting it is minimal while others suggest it has some relevance. There is also a lack of consensus on the necessity of a Master's degree for career advancement in the field.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific courses and branches, but there are no definitive statements on the comprehensive nature of electrical engineering studies, leaving room for interpretation and further exploration of the topic.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing electrical engineering or those seeking to understand the academic and professional landscape of the field may find this discussion informative.

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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