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Ask HN: Learning Engineering

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Re: Ask HN: Learning Engineering

#21
What I have to say is probably more of a meta-response -- a few things to think about / look for when you're learning.

One of the first things I was told when beginning my E.E. degree was that I'd be _learning how to learn_. Many years later (after obtaining a master's), I see that it is true.

Others here have stated, and I agree, you need to try doing stuff. There seem to be two sides to engineering: understanding/developing theory, and implementing it. Both are worlds unto themselves.

Also, learn the tool of the trade: Math. Even if you don't learn a particular subject, at least familiarize yourself with it enough to be able to later on say to yourself "hey, I think this type of math is what I need to solve this problem" then go and learn it.

(And, relating back to doing things, try looking at example problems and connecting the concepts involved to their equational counter-parts -- this will make connecting the math to the context easier when you try to come up with solutions or understand something else).

I'd recommend starting out with these branches:

Differential Equations - as most physical systems adhere to these types of rules

Linear Algebra - as this is useful for taking differential equations and turning them into computations a computer can perform (via state-space) as well as many many other things -- I've found a lot of the ideas I learned from linear algebra were helpful in understanding other branches of math, such as differential equations (e.g. basis vectors/functions)

and

Laplace/Fourier Transforms - lots and lots of engineering will look at things in different domains (esp. these two), so it'd be a good idea for you to get used to doing that.

Again, the best way to learn this stuff is by doing.

[EDIT: Grammar]

Re: Ask HN: Learning Engineering

#22
I'm going to give you an unpopular answer, but as an engineer I have enough credence to say this:

You cannot become an engineer or learn engineering without going to college to become one.

You have to understand: engineering is far different from computer science. Even computer engineering — which is my field. It's a field that you can't practice in without a degree. It's not like computer science where you can get a job programming without a degree. No engineering firm will even consider you without a degree.

And that's because engineering requires formal training from certified teachers according to a standardized curriculum. The skills, thought processes, problem solving strategies and specific knowledge of the individual engineering fields is highly tailored. And, most importantly, extremely arduous. If an engineer has ever scoffed at your degree in college, it's because compared to his workload — no matter your degree — you have an easy time. (Because of this, we're also all arrogant :)

But, to answer your question: the best place to learn the principles of engineering is in an engineering class. In fact, it's the only place. Even if you read online articles or textbooks, you won't ever get the full engineering perspective. Only professors, uniquely qualified to endow the sacred profession, can teach the principles.

If you're currently studying CS at school, I highly recommend sitting in an introduction to engineering class. Speaking from experience, engineering has helped me immensely in computer science. I'm a much better programmer from the problem solving skills I learned in my engineering classes.

I hope this helps. Engineering is such a wonderful major, and I love every minute of it. Good luck!

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