Engineering in college

[Ducky280]

This is my second year on a FIRST team and I really enjoy it. Unfortunately i did not have an opportunity to do any work on the robot. I was the photographer and I was a part of our Chairman's Award team. But being on the team did inspire me to pursue a degree in computer science and some type of engineering either electrical engineering or robotics engineering. My question is that if math and science isn't the strongest of your subjects, would pursing a degree in these areas be a bad idea?

[BigJ]

Computer science uses a lot of math, but it's not your typical high-school math. You use discrete math to learn about the efficiency of algorithms and different ways to solve problems. You also analyze code to get a sense of the "time complexity" and "space complexity" to compare the efficiency of different algorithms, but this is mainly being able to think about what kind of function the actions of your code represents (logarithmic vs exponential vs factorial, etc)

I did not take many EE classes but from my friends I believe there is a lot of calculus involved in EE, and I believe ABET accreditation for a curriculum requires you to go through multiple calculus and differential equations classes.

I'm not quite computer science but I studied software engineering, and had to take calculus 1-4 (derivatives, integrals, multiple integrals, different coordinate systems, etc) , differential equations, and statistics courses.

[EricH]

If you go into EE, as I understand it you will have to deal with a lot of Differential Equations.

I'm an ME student, and I had to take Calculus 1-3 (limits/derivatives/integrals, advanced integrals, 3D derivatives), and Differential Equations. I seem to be a glutton for punishment as several of my classes these days draw on Diff Eq. (I also had to take numerical analysis and a prob/stats course.)


Engineering in general is heavily math-based. You're not going to avoid math at all in engineering. Much if not all of the tougher math, at least in the ME side, will often be simplifiable to an algebraic equation, but as soon as you get into anything having to do with time-varying loads or motion, it's break out the calculus and diff, you've got some tough math ahead. On the EE side, if you're dealing with AC circuit analysis you can expect some complex numbers--and yes, I speak from experience; the MEs where I go to school have to take basic circuits, both DC and AC.

[Ducky280]

It's not that I can't do math at all because I am good at it to a point. It's just the fact that my high school teachers math aren't really good at breaking things down and teaching them. I'm not saying there not good teachers but their just confusing. But I can do math like Algebra and Geometry, I just haven't experienced Trig or Calc yet and will not have the opportunity to take it since this is my last trimester of high school before graduation.

[JamesBrown]

Originally Posted by EricH

If you go into EE, as I understand it you will have to deal with a lot of Differential Equations.

I'm an ME student, and I had to take Calculus 1-3 (limits/derivatives/integrals, advanced integrals, 3D derivatives), and Differential Equations. I seem to be a glutton for punishment as several of my classes these days draw on Diff Eq. (I also had to take numerical analysis and a prob/stats course.)

The other guys are correct, if you can't learn differential equations you won't be able to handle EE.

As an EE you can expect to take the basic calculus series (2 or 3 classes depending on the school), Multivariable calculus, and atleast one semester of Differential Equations. As well as some form of discrete math and some form of probability and statistics. By the time you reach any kind of signal analysis course (junior year) you will be expected to be able to solve differential equations without trouble.

As a CS major you will likely be required to take the standard cal progression (2 or 3 classes) and Discrete math (which math people will tell you is easy but other people will hate) depending on the school and your concentration other math classes may be required.

If you aren't planning to take Calculus in school next year then I would strongly suggest you try taking it at a local Community College, even if your school doesn't accept the credits the experience will be nice and it is always nice to have an easy class your first semester.

[kgalea]

Could you try taking an online course or perhaps a community college math course (I know WCCC is right around the corner from you)? I really think it depends on how hard you are willing to work.

[Ducky280]

Originally Posted by kgalea

Could you try taking an online course or perhaps a community college math course (I know WCCC is right around the corner from you)? I really think it depends on how hard you are willing to work.

I was told WCCC wasn't the best school, but I'll probably end up taking some classes at Henry Ford before going to Wayne State.

[efoote868]

What year in school are you / when will you graduate?

I would recommend taking advanced (AP?) math and physics courses in high school. If you do well in those, you have a better chance at doing well in engineering.

If you find you absolutely can't stand those classes, I'd recommend finding a different major.

Any given school you go to for engineering will be different, but you're almost guaranteed to have at least 5 semesters of pure math courses (Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations).

Most of the classes in Electrical Engineering I've taken have all been applied math (disguised with names like, Linear Circuit Analysis, Electric and Magnetic Fields, Signals and Systems, Probabilistic Methods in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Feedback System Analysis and Design). Fortunately it does have more application than pure math, along with real life examples.

[Ducky280]

Originally Posted by efoote868

What year in school are you / when will you graduate?

I would recommend taking advanced (AP?) math and physics courses in high school. If you do well in those, you have a better chance at doing well in engineering.

If you find you absolutely can't stand those classes, I'd recommend finding a different major.

Any given school you go to for engineering will be different, but you're almost guaranteed to have at least 5 semesters of pure math courses (Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations).

Most of the classes in Electrical Engineering I've taken have all been applied math (disguised with names like, Linear Circuit Analysis, Electric and Magnetic Fields, Signals and Systems, Probabilistic Methods in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Feedback System Analysis and Design). Fortunately it does have more application than pure math, along with real life examples.

I'm a senior in High School and I'm graduating June 8th of this year

[Cory]

I pretty much hated most of the math classes I took. My calculus sequence pretty much sucked. Differential equations wasn't so bad because my professor made it entirely about damped/undamped spring-mass systems, which was directly relevant to mechanical engineering.

Linear algebra was probably the most useful course I've taken in college.

After finishing the math sequence it gets better as all your classes are using the math directly applied to your major. In ME the majority of the math I have to use is simple algebra, with some linear algebra and differential equations, along with basic integrals. It's not too bad, but you have to get through the classes to get to that point.

[RMiller]

First, let me state, in spite of being behind in your math - at least compared to my experiences in engineering, it can be done, though it might take more time than four or even five years (depending on how you go about things). Since you are not strong in the subjects, it would require a lot of work on your part at least initially. You might find that things click at some point. To be honest, even when it does click, there is still a lot of work to do.

I would strongly consider spending time at a community college or at least looking into it (and talking to your preferred college(s) about this as well - there may be advantages/disadvantages that are not apparent). This would be a way to at least get into some of the prerequisite math/science classes (anything needed precalc, then 3-4 semesters of calc, linear algebra, and differential equations are pretty much required across all engineering degrees as well as calc based physics (two semesters) and probably two semesters of chemistry and/or biology (this might be more major dependent than I am aware)) at what will likely be a lower cost.

Now, to be quite honest, I cannot advise for or against you going into engineering/computer science - I don't know you. I think you can answer that better than most everyone on this forum. Some questions you can ask yourself: "Is it something I think I would like?" "Am I willing to put in the effort during college to accomplish this goal?" "Are there other occupations/majors that are more appealing to me?" This is another place where a community college can have a cost advantage. You can spend time taking classes across a myriad of subjects. In addition, work and living situations might be more advantageous going this route.

Good luck to you as you make these decisions!

[Kim Masi]

Originally Posted by Ducky280

It's not that I can't do math at all because I am good at it to a point. It's just the fact that my high school teachers math aren't really good at breaking things down and teaching them. I'm not saying there not good teachers but their just confusing. But I can do math like Algebra and Geometry, I just haven't experienced Trig or Calc yet and will not have the opportunity to take it since this is my last trimester of high school before graduation.

I would add to what the others said and take Trig at a community college, and then when you start at Fort Wayne you can start with Calc. In most cases trig is a pre-rec to calc so you will need it to start with calc, and calc is absolutely necessary for any type of engineering.

My university started out with Calc 1 for all engineering students. We did have to take a basic test at our orientation to prove we were ready to handle it.

I took calc in high school and I thought I had the worst teacher ever. Well, the whole class did. When I got to college and re-took calc 1 and 2, they came SO easy to me. Perhaps taking a calc course over the summer or at a CC and then starting fresh at a university will help your understanding.

Basically what I've gotten out of my ME degree is that Engineering=applied math. At least that's how our courses were structured, we learned the mathematical concept behind all of the applications.

[Warren Boudreau]

Over the years, I have come up with one question for someone who is thinking about being an engineer.

Now be truthful with yourself.....

In Algebra class, did you enjoy word problems?

If so, then you might like engineering. If not, try a different STEM area.

[Gary Dillard]

Just remember Warren went to LSU, where they didn't use very big words

[Joseph Bisch]

I am confused. Are you planning on double majoring in CS and some type of engineering, or do you mean you are considering majoring in either CS or some type of engineering? If you are considering a double major, you might want to consider that you will have to go to school more than 4 years.

Don't be discouraged if you haven't studied Calculus yet. People are saying you will have to deal with Differential Equations. You will, but keep in mind that you won't take that your first semester. You will start with a PreCalc or Calculus 1 class which will assume you haven't studied the subject previously.

By now you should have decided which school you will be attending. Talk to engineering faculty. Find out where you should be math-wise as an incoming engineering major. If you plan on taking PreCalc over the summer, make sure the school will accept the credit.

Also, see if you will just take general engineering courses your first year. That is what is done at my school. It allows you to transfer majors easily within the engineering department your first year. You may not have to choose between CS and engineering your first year.