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cscott
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When comparing the two degrees, what important aspects are missing on the physicist side when doing EE work and vice versa?
Tom Mattson said:If you follow the standard curriculum, what the physicist misses are the all-important design courses. Analyzing an existing design is one thing, but creating a new one is quite another, and the engineer is specifically trained to do that, while the physicist is not.
Also, the EE takes more courses in the analysis of electronic systems than does the physicist.
What the EE misses is a thorough, rigorous grounding in theoretical physics. The EE and the physicist typically take two different courses in EM field theory. The EE version focuses on design and completely excludes relativity. The exclusion of SR probably doesn't hurt the ability of the EE to do engineering work, but it could explain why so many anti-relativity crackpots happen to be electrical engineers! Also, the EE misses out on a proper course in quantum theory. He usually gets a suicidal crash course version of it in a course in solid state electronics.
rbj said:i would say that the EE is exposed to SR and QM in the 3rd semester of General Physics (usually the 4th semester of his undergrad curriculum). and there should be enough QM to do the hydrogen atom and learn about energy levels and eventually handwave to the point that he/she can take a solid-state physics or semiconductor physics course where they eventually learn the diode equation and the Eber-Molls equations for the transistor.
Manchot said:Of course, you can always do what I'm doing and go into a physics-intensive area of EE, such as physical and/or quantum electronics.
Yes, many people do that kind of thing at the graduate level. (In fact, IMO, the most important EE research occurs in this field.) And yes, I am taking more physics courses than normal. (However, they're pretty much only QM courses.)cscott said:Is this something you do at the graduate level? Did you/Are you taking more physics courses than normal?
Well, at my school, the equivalent class has somewhat of a reputation as the hardest of the required EE classes. Honestly, however, I didn't find it that difficult.budala said:This is my first year, 2nd semester EE Solid State Physics course, is it going to be hard? Thank you all.
Quantum mechanics and quantum nature of solids, properties of materials. Band theory in metals and semiconductors. Conduction processes, the p-n junction, transistors and other solid state devices.
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Lect: 3 hrs./Lab: 1 hr.
I just took my junior level EE Solid State class and while it wasn't SUPER difficult, it did require a good amount of work. After a while, EVERYTHING starts to look the same.Manchot said:Yes, many people do that kind of thing at the graduate level. (In fact, IMO, the most important EE research occurs in this field.) And yes, I am taking more physics courses than normal. (However, they're pretty much only QM courses.)
Well, at my school, the equivalent class has somewhat of a reputation as the hardest of the required EE classes. Honestly, however, I didn't find it that difficult.
Tom Mattson said:What the EE misses is a thorough, rigorous grounding in theoretical physics. The EE and the physicist typically take two different courses in EM field theory. The EE version focuses on design and completely excludes relativity. The exclusion of SR probably doesn't hurt the ability of the EE to do engineering work, but it could explain why so many anti-relativity crackpots happen to be electrical engineers! Also, the EE misses out on a proper course in quantum theory. He usually gets a suicidal crash course version of it in a course in solid state electronics.
The main difference between an EE (Electrical Engineering) and a physicist degree is the focus of study. EE degrees focus on the application and design of electrical systems and devices, while physicist degrees focus on the study of the fundamental laws and principles of the physical world.
Both EE and physicist degrees require a strong foundation in mathematics. However, physicist degrees tend to have a stronger emphasis on theoretical and mathematical concepts, while EE degrees may have a more practical and applied approach to mathematics.
While there may be some overlap in the coursework and skills required for both degrees, they are distinct fields of study. Someone with an EE degree may be able to work in certain roles within the field of physics, but they may need additional education or training to fully transition into a physicist role. Similarly, someone with a physicist degree may be able to work in certain roles within the field of EE, but may need additional education or training to fully transition into an EE role.
Both EE and physicist degrees have a wide range of job opportunities and strong job prospects. The demand for electrical engineers is expected to grow, especially in industries such as telecommunications, renewable energy, and robotics. Physics graduates may find employment in fields such as research and development, data analysis, and education.
Both EE and physicist degrees require strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They also both involve a significant amount of math and physics coursework. Additionally, both degrees often require proficiency in programming and computer skills, as well as the ability to work with complex systems and data.