Hey hey! So I’m thinking about majoring in engineering rather than physics, although engineering was what I wanted to do originally. So what’s the course work like? Is it too much to handle and is it enjoyable?
The first two years you are working on fundamentals. You take Calc 1, Calc 2, Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations. You also get a foundation in Chemistry 1 & 2 and Physics 1 (newtonian), Physics 2 (Electricity and Magnetism) and Physics 3 (Modern Physics). You also take a programming course.
Sophomore year may also include some classes for your type of engineering such as Statics, Thermodynamics or Circuits.
Junior and Senior year you have to take a breadth of courses related to your major, but also you can specialize. So you need to take more circuits for EE, but also physical properties of electronics and digital electronics etc
it is all very math focused, but with a practical bent as you would expect.
Also if you like Physics and Engineering, there is a major called Engineering Physics that might be of interest. http://bulletin.case.edu/schoolofengineering/engineeringphysics/
Many many engineers have found it not too much to handle…but there are many who never got past multivariable calc. I think if you can make it past the first 2 years, you have the skills to finish.
It is hard to figure out the difference between science majors and engineering from what you learn in high school. I believe that most students are really interested in engineering as it is more applying what you know about the sciences.
Engineering college involves a lot of math and you must understand the principles behind the math rather than just knowing the “steps” to solve a problem. You use that math to apply the science to what you’re working on. The required math skills do trip up many an engineering major and turn them into business majors!!
Since engineering is so varied out in the real world, you may or may not use much math in your career.
The difference between science and engineering is that science studies the properties of the natural universe, while engineering uses what science has learned to solve design problems.
@DankBelmont - ucbalumnus gives a great description. Engineers take the discoveries of the scientist and make them into practical, safe, and economical devices, machines, processes, and systems that contribute to the betterment of the world.