Why Electrical Engineering is Considered More Challenging than Electronics Engineering

The distinction between electrical and electronics engineering can often cause confusion, especially among students and those not well-versed in the field. However, it's important to understand that they are indeed different disciplines with unique aspects and challenges. This article aims to explore why electrical engineering is often perceived as more difficult to study compared to electronics engineering.

Electrical Engineering vs. Electronics Engineering: Clarifying the Misconception

One common misconception is that electrical and electronics engineering are the same. In reality, electrical engineering is considered an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of professions, including electronic engineering. According to educational standards in Australia, electrical engineering serves as a broad discipline that includes subjects such as power generation and distribution, which are not directly related to electronics. While it is true that electronic engineering is a subset of electrical engineering, the two disciplines have distinct subjects and challenges.

The Scope of Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering covers a broad spectrum of subjects, some of which are not associated directly with electronics. For example, power generation and distribution are crucial to the field of electrical engineering but do not fall within the typical scope of electronic engineering. Furthermore, there are subjects that could be classified as both electrical and electronic engineering, such as RF (Radio Frequency) and microwave, optics, communication systems, digital signal processing, image processing, and medical electronics. These areas require a unique blend of knowledge from both electrical and electronic engineering, making it challenging to categorize them under one discipline.

The Reason Behind the Perceived Difficulty

Perception of difficulty in electrical engineering often stems from a few key factors, which can significantly impact a student's success in the field.

Lack of Preparation at the High School Level

One of the primary reasons why electrical engineering is considered challenging is the inadequate preparation that many students receive in high school. High school curriculums do not fully prepare students for the rigorous academic demands of university-level studies, particularly in electrical engineering. This gap in knowledge and understanding can result in students struggling to grasp fundamental concepts when they enter their university courses.

The Gradual Learning Curve

Another factor contributing to the difficulty is the gradual learning curve in electrical engineering. Many students pass through their first year of university coursework and achieve satisfactory grades, but their knowledge is not immediately applicable. It often takes one to two years, or even longer in some cases, to fully familiarize oneself with certain topics. This lag can create a significant challenge for students who are expected to apply their knowledge in subsequent years, leading to a feeling of being consistently behind or struggling to keep up.

The Complexity of Advanced Topics

A significant contributor to the perceived difficulty of electrical engineering is the complexity of advanced subjects. Many topics in this discipline are at the forefront of technological advancement, such as semiconductor physics. These topics can be challenging to understand, even for experienced students or professionals. For instance, a student might need to hear a concept three times to grasp its basic principles, and this can be a common experience in the field.

Examples and Illustrations

To further illustrate the challenges, consider the case of electromagnetics. Electromagnetics is a foundational subject that introduces concepts that can be quite daunting for new students. For example, a student named John, who was a very good student in other subjects, was asked about his interest in working in RF-related jobs after taking the electromagnetics course. His reaction was immediate: he became pale, and his eyes widened, a clear indication of his discomfort with the subject matter. This reaction was not isolated; many students share similar experiences when first exposed to concepts in electromagnetics.

A Holistic View of the Challenges

To fully understand the challenges of studying electrical engineering, one must consider all three factors: the inadequate preparation at the high school level, the gradual learning curve, and the complexity of advanced subjects. When these elements are combined, it becomes clear that the difficulty in electrical engineering is not just a matter of personal preparation but a systemic challenge that many students face. This understanding can lead to more effective strategies for supporting students in their pursuit of knowledge in this field.