How do you learn/comprehend tough Engineering topics?

Question

I'll be taking courses like Electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and a few other electrical engineering courses. I need to do really well this semester. Most of the lectures at my university don't help much so I pretty much depend on the books. What's the best way to learn?

Answer 1

I have a Masters and ProfD in engineering from a well-known ivy league university.  You are taking two tough courses...why at the same time?  I did really well in Electromagnetism, as if you are strong in calculus you can do well in that class(I remember I "broke" the curve on some exams!) I took "nuclear physiscs" as we called it back then, a very tough classs.  I was a very good student, but I had no idea what was going on.  Neither did any other students!  I got one of the best grades.  How did I do this?  The exams were problems to solve- 4 or 5 in a one hour period. I made sure I answered ALL the problems, writing as many related equations and solving things related to the problem, even if I was certain I didn't know how to do the problem.  I got a decent grade because I received partial credit on ALL the problems.  Other students tried maybe 2 or 3 problems, and spent all their time on those first questions. They received zero credit on the others- which makes all the difference in the test grade.

Regarding studying, do it bit by bit as you go along--don't bunch it up as it sinks in better this way.  Write study sheets of important equations. Use outside books which only solve problems and show step by step solutions-you can find them(try Problem Solvers).

Also, if there's a Teaching Assistant, make friends with them early on-they often provide lots of help and insight to the types of things you'll encounter on the exams!!    Good Luck

Answer 2

You've got to be stubborn!

Be patient!

Approach problems as if they are puzzles and be enthusiastic about finding the solution.  Take each challenge personally and don't let it win.

Don't be intimidated by the subject matter and content.  I recall a song by Genesis:

"And we kill what we fear

And we fear what we don't understand"

Embrace new concepts, don't run from them!  You will be trained to think logically.  There is no room for fear in logic.

Engineering is a tough field.  If it was easy then everybody would be an engineer.  It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.  Keep your mind focused on your goal and don't let anybody, or anything, get in your way.  There will be tough times, but wit the right attitude you will prevail.

Good luck!

Answer 3

When I was in school for EE, I use to find the smartest kid in my class and study with them for hours. I'd even buy them food to keep them in the room if I had too. After exams I'd buy them drinks also. It might seem expensive, but at least I passed.