2 answers
mateus
Student
Rosh Pinah, Karas Region, Namibia
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qualification i needed to study erectronics
#engineering
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2 answers
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
124
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dan’s Answer
I think the main qualification for learning electronics is being interested in electronics, being curious, and having a "hands-on" attitude. And math skills help.
You can study electronics on your own or via formal classes. There are plenty of online sites that offer free electronics classes - try a Google search for "basic electronics online free lessons". You will find many so you will have to select one that matches your abilities and interests. There are also free electronic circuit simulators that run on a laptop or PC (Google search for "free basic electronic simulators"). While these are very useful, the actual "hands-on" connection of circuits it is still very valuable.
If you are in grade school, you can start learning with some batteries, wires, lights and switches which you may be able to acquire by taking apart some broken electronic products. Connecting the batteries so that a switch turns on a light would be a first step.
If you are in High School then your science class may offer a good introduction to Ohms Law which explains the relationship between Voltage, Resistance, and Current. And as above, a Google search for online classes would be advised. Take things apart and save the parts!
If you are thinking about college then to start, you will need knowledge of basic mathematics and some algebra. Your college classes will make sure you are eventually proficient in algebra as well as calculus. The college that you select will determine the entry requirements. Community Colleges will usually accept you with minimal math skills but will require extra classes to bring your skills up to an acceptable level. Higher level 4-year universities will usually only accept you if your academic level meets their initial requirements.
You can study electronics on your own or via formal classes. There are plenty of online sites that offer free electronics classes - try a Google search for "basic electronics online free lessons". You will find many so you will have to select one that matches your abilities and interests. There are also free electronic circuit simulators that run on a laptop or PC (Google search for "free basic electronic simulators"). While these are very useful, the actual "hands-on" connection of circuits it is still very valuable.
If you are in grade school, you can start learning with some batteries, wires, lights and switches which you may be able to acquire by taking apart some broken electronic products. Connecting the batteries so that a switch turns on a light would be a first step.
If you are in High School then your science class may offer a good introduction to Ohms Law which explains the relationship between Voltage, Resistance, and Current. And as above, a Google search for online classes would be advised. Take things apart and save the parts!
If you are thinking about college then to start, you will need knowledge of basic mathematics and some algebra. Your college classes will make sure you are eventually proficient in algebra as well as calculus. The college that you select will determine the entry requirements. Community Colleges will usually accept you with minimal math skills but will require extra classes to bring your skills up to an acceptable level. Higher level 4-year universities will usually only accept you if your academic level meets their initial requirements.
Benjamin Longhurst
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
Dan puts it well. I studied Computer Engineering which is a mixture of Software and Electrical Engineering - an interest and curiosity is the only major requirement; if you're interested in it then you will enjoy learning about it!
In terms of what you learning about electronics in a professional capacity will involve?
- Not going to sugar coat it - a reasonably high level of mathematics, but don't be offput - I did one of the lowest level math courses at high school before my senior years and found the maths at university challenging. However, with a bit of tutoring I was able to get there in the end. The kind of topics you will cover would be things like:
- Algebra, particularly a lot of simultaneous equations
- Complex numbers
- A lot of calculus
- Matrices
- Fourier and Laplace transformations
- Electrical specific topics, such as
- Kirchhoffs Voltage Law (KVL) and Kirchhoffs Current Law (KCL)
- DC circuit analysis
- AC circuit analysis
- Digital circuits and logic (i.e. computers)
- Analogue circuits (i.e. amplifiers, oscillators, signal generators)
All the best and good luck!
In terms of what you learning about electronics in a professional capacity will involve?
- Not going to sugar coat it - a reasonably high level of mathematics, but don't be offput - I did one of the lowest level math courses at high school before my senior years and found the maths at university challenging. However, with a bit of tutoring I was able to get there in the end. The kind of topics you will cover would be things like:
- Algebra, particularly a lot of simultaneous equations
- Complex numbers
- A lot of calculus
- Matrices
- Fourier and Laplace transformations
- Electrical specific topics, such as
- Kirchhoffs Voltage Law (KVL) and Kirchhoffs Current Law (KCL)
- DC circuit analysis
- AC circuit analysis
- Digital circuits and logic (i.e. computers)
- Analogue circuits (i.e. amplifiers, oscillators, signal generators)
All the best and good luck!