I HATE physics, but want to get a degree in Electrical Engineering. is that possible?

Question

does electrical engineering require alot of physics?

Answer 1

There are severel sub-categories under electrical engineering, demanding different levels of understanding of physics. I am an automation engineer (now studying for MsC), and we use quite a lot of physics, especially on MsC level.

I'm not sure how it is with the other direction (electronics, telecommunications etc), but I would guess they have a bit less.

The math however, is very important, and at a certain point, these two kind of mix together. My guess is that if you don't like physics, you probably don't like math too much either, and if that's the case, I think maybe you should consider some other kind of education.

Answer 2

yeah, anything is possible but it is worth thinking about. electrical engineering is an extremely broad field these days (IEEE, the institute for electrical and electronic engineers, is the largest professional organization in the world and electrical engineers might well work in more diverse fields than any other profession) ... so, depending on what you want to end up doing in life, you probably can do it with an EE degree. The question is, can you jump though the hoop (coursework) necessary to get there ... or is there a better path to where you want to go. The educational part of the process is more likely than not going to put you though a fair amount of physics. Are you maybe more interested in computer engineering? Often that will let you avoid a lot of the more physics intensive courses.

electrical engineering does require a reasonable amount of physics and, while not all of it involves "physics" as such, most requires a lot of the same problem solving skills and mathematics, the reasons people tend to be good at both or good at neither. most engineering is less abstract and not as deep as pure science but I think it is fair to call engineering, especially electrical, "applied physics". At the heart of it, physics is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding for their own sake, while engineering aims to solve a practical problems, i.e. make something that someone will buy.

the freshman "physics 101" courses are often used to weed out students from engineering ... because, like it or not, you have to be able to do these or you will quickly find yourself in trouble when you get to the core engineering courses

good luck!!

Answer 3

Where do you think engineering comes from? It is a branch of physics. Depends on what you hate about physics. Physics is nothing but math, and there is plenty of algebra and calculus in electrical engineering. However, if you like electrical things ( gadgets, for example), then you may be more satisfied with a technician degree in electronics. There is still some physics and math, just not near as intense or in-depth. There are some physics and electronics classes that use no math at all, but they are rare.

Answer 4

Hi

I am an Electrical Engineer with a Master's [in EE]. I actually studied French, English, German and Latin prior to studying EE.

It is important to find an up-to-date course : one that uses SI Units (rationalised MKS) so you do not get bogged down in all the old systems of units. They suck!

You will have to try and cope with magnetism, which goes hand in hand with electricity, and also be patient with some basic trig : sine, cosine, and very occasionally, tangents. This is because "good" AC electricity rises and falls in a sine wave.

Having said that, you also will need to understand that electricity can be viewed similarly to a liquid : it has pressure and flow. Physics again?

Obviously, you cannot get away from physical things coz electricity flows down wires an stuff.

Try and determine what it is you do not like about physics, and then maybe I can help you a bit more. Are you sure it's not just the teacher you dislike?

Answer 5

Yes, electrical engineering does require a lot of physics. You muct remember that electricity is a physical phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons and protons, thus you can't do without physics.

However, ther are other engineering majors you can take like mechanical engineering, civil engineering (mostly math), chemical engineering, etc. But if you really wanted electrical engineering, I guess you have no choice but to like physics.. Anyway, once you get a hang of it, its quite fun too..

Answer 6

It is very possible. If you are determined to get a degree in Electrical Engineering, you have to hurdle all the odds in order to get it. It needs dedication and determination. All other subjects whether it is difficult or easy will not be a problem for you. Once you have set your goal to achieve it, go for it come what may. Physics subject is one of them but not much of it. I know you can do it. Good luck.

Answer 7

Yes - lots of math and physics.

There are two university-level alternatives:

You could get a BSEET degree in Electronics Technology. This is more practical than "pure" Electrical Engineering, and the math is easier (less calculus).

You could get a BSIT degree in Electronics Industrial Technology. Several schools offer this - notably San Jose State University. The BSIT has less math than the BSEET and a LOT less than the BSEE. The BSIT includes courses in Business and Management.

Answer 8

If you hate physics is no different from saying, breathing without using Oxygen. Try purchasing a heavy insurance incase you become one. Might save you paying court fee and compensation for others if some of your explosions caused life.

Physics calculation is what saves your designs from going dead wrong before constructing anything. If you still hate it then try find a planet without gravity to live in. Coz rule of gravity is based on physics. Hope that clears some thoughts with you. All the best with your decision making!

Answer 9

i think only physics 1 and 2, both with calculus, but you only do simple integrations.

other classes may require the knowledge you learn in these 2 classes, and you would have to apply stuff, especially in physics 2 which deals with circuits, electricity and magnetism

Answer 10

If you hate physics because of the math, forget about electrical engineering.