University

[mark_3094]

I have been thinking about getting some formal training in electronics, but I'm not sure what to study.
I was thinking of B Engineering (Computer), which would have some relevance in my current field of profession (IT Professional), but I'm not sure how much electronics would be in it. I don't mind doing the extras like Math and Physics, but there has to be plenty of circuit analysis, etc in it.
Am I looking in the right place here?

 

[dknguyen]

That sounds like you want electrical engineering more than computer engineering. Computer engineering gets into the really nitty gritty stuff about computers...you know, a lot of the stuff that many EEs don't even think about and can't be manipulated or repaired by anyone without a silcon wafer foundry. For example, what the text instructions "A = 1 + 2" actually mean, what they actually are in physical form inside the computer, how they are stored and how to use electronic components to build something that can actually understand the human text that you just typed and convert it into physical tasks, and then actually carrying out those tasks.

Think about it...

If you type in A = 1+2, where would you even begin to take electronic components and put them together to build something that understood each symbol and actually do what you want it to do. That's computer engineering, and that's why it is it's own field of engineering rather than a sub-field of electrical engineering (there's so much in it).

 

[colin55]

If you want a really quick and easy solution you have to provide us with a number of answers; such as these: Pick out at least 20 different circuits and projects and let us know how much you understand of each, including how interested you are in the project and how you think you could improve it etc. This will give us a "heading for the right direction." Next you have to let us know how much you know about electronics, including how many hundreds of projects you have constructed and how many thousands of dollars worth of parts and equipment you have in your "workshop."
You have to have a "flair" for electronics and you really have to understand how it works - to a point where you can "see" a circuit working. If you can't, you will never be able to fix a project or improve it - when it does not work. There are hundreds of different areas where you can specialise and it's only when a student comes to me and says he has built dozens of projects, that you can work out where his interests lie.
You also have to work out the economics of a full-time course against a part-time course and search the requirements in your area to make sure your field of endeavor will be appreciated.
It would take a book to cover all the facets of electronics and the possible areas of involvement and you just need to work out where your interests and capabilities lie. There are lots of tests on the web for electronics professionals and these will help you enormously.
Do some of these and come back with some sort of area that interests you. We may then be able to guide you further.
Don't forget, electronics is one of the most challenging and rewarding fields you can enter.

 

[Mikebits]

If you want a really quick and easy solution you have to provide us with a number of answers; such as these: Pick out at least 20 different circuits and projects and let us know how much you understand of each, including how interested you are in the project and how you think you could improve it etc. This will give us a "heading for the right direction." Next you have to let us know how much you know about electronics, including how many hundreds of projects you have constructed and how many thousands of dollars worth of parts and equipment you have in your "workshop."

What on earth are you talking about? The person ask about college direction and you demand projects... Geezo

 

[colin mac]

I was thinking of B Engineering (Computer), which would have some relevance in my current field of profession (IT Professional),

Probably not. They're probably very different disciplines and only relate to each other by the word 'computer'.
You could search for college lectures online. They can be found easily on youtube and give a fair idea of what's involved .

 

[3v0]

Different universities do different things under programs with the same or similar names.

You have to check the catalogs or talk to the people at the university to find the progarm with the right mix.

Back when I went to school computer engineering was the same as the regular EE program execpt computer science classes replaced some courses. The ones I remember were drafting (it was a while ago) and power engineering. Mostly classes a person interested in computers could do without. The basic circuits courses were all there. And if one of the missing courses was of interest, you could still take it.

3v0

 

[mark_3094]

Thanks everyone. I think the one I want to do is Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical). However I don't think I can do it, as the schedule interferes with working full time, etc.
I guess I'll continue to try to figure things out on my own.

 

[Chaerl]

In my country, Philippines, Computer Engineering are more on the embedded systems, not just computer technicians but designing a combination of analog and digital system (this is what i have taken). It is also a combination of HW and SW. We have Electronics and Communication Engineering, which is more on the electronics (basically analogue), as well as broadcast. Our Electrical Engineering is on the high power system, such as electrical building plan, city street lighting plan, etc. So, I supposed, depends which country or which school you want to go.