Why study Engineering?

One dictionary gives the definition of engineering as the discipline dealing with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems. The National Academy of Engineering has defined engineering as design under constraint. An important distinction to make is the difference between science and engineering and that is fairly easy: scientists discover, engineers design. Scientists look to discover a new species, an element or particle or even a new planet. Science is the process by which we explore our universe and attempt to understand and explain principles and causes whether they be physical or philosophical. The discoveries of science are then used by engineers to solve problems--like how to communicate over vast distances or how to cross vast distances quickly and efficiently. If you like the idea of creating things and solving problems, then engineering is a path you might consider for your career.

There are many engineering disciplines to choose from once you have decided to become an engineer. Take any high school physics textbook and the table of contents will give you a rough list of the major engineering areas! Engineering disciplines tend to focus on the area of science that they work with. Mechanical engineers are interested in machines that move and in the various materials that are used to build or make things. Civil engineers are concerned with the construction of roads, bridges, dams and other structures that enhance our life and civilization in general. Chemical engineers design and build process plants that efficiently produce chemicals that are used for a wide range of purposes. Some engineering fields are cross-disciplinary meaning that the engineer works with two or more disciplines--one good example of a cross-disciplinary field is biomedical engineering. Modern engineers tend to be cross-disciplinary by nature because large, complex projects require a large number of different engineers working together as a team.

Why study Electrical Engineering (EE)?

Electrical engineers are interested in the control and utilization of energy. This energy can be in the form of electricity, which is the flow of electrons, or in the form of light, which is the flow of photons. There is a duality between energy and information and, as such, EE's are very interested in how information is transmitted, transformed and stored. Electrical engineers design a broad range of devices and systems from electrical power grids that supply homes and industry with electricity to systems that deliver telephone, radio, television, network and space communications. EE's design the computers that affect almost all of our modern lifestyles. EE's are responsible for the microprocessor systems that control toasters and microwave ovens, automobiles and guided missiles, toys and space shuttles--just to mention a few of the myriad of applications of these systems. To get an idea of what Lamar EE grads do, browse our alumni companies page here. Just click on a logo to get more information.

Why study Electrical Engineering at Lamar University?

Choosing a university to do your career-building studies is a big decision. There are over fourteen schools just in Texas where you can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, the BSEE. Every program has a unique culture and that is one of the best ways to make your decision. Does the culture of the school fit with your lifestyle? If not, you may have a disappointing experience. LUEE is what is called a small program. What this means is that we are not very large in terms of student body and faculty size. This can be a disadvantage in terms of the breadth and depth of the educational experience, but it is a significant advantage in terms of individualized attention and a strong student-centered attitude that may not be possible in larger programs.

What do I need to study Electrical Engineering?

EE is one of the most abstract of the engineering professions. By abstract, we mean that it can be very difficult to simply visualize or conceptualize the behavior of electrical, electronic and photonic systems. For this reason, the EE uses a great deal of mathematics to model the behavior of the systems being designed. Before attending college, you should have taken chemistry and physics and mathematics up through the pre-calculus stage. This will best prepare you to begin your study of EE. If you are lacking any of these preliminaries, you can take them at Lamar as part of our General or Developmental Studies programs.

What can I expect in an EE program of study?

As discussed above, the study of electrical engineering requires a firm foundation of math and physics. You will need to complete three semesters of calculus (Calc I, II & III), a semester of differential equations, two semesters of calculus-based physics and a semester of modern physics that includes quantum mechanics before beginning EE specific courses. At Lamar we place a great emphasis both on the theoretical and the hands on--every LUEE spends a good deal of time in the lab getting hands on experience in seeing the theory at work. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the chair, Dr. Myler, or any of the faculty directly. If you have enjoyed building robots or working with computers and electronics, be sure to see our "No Legos" page and the Senior Project Design Lab pages.

Useful links for the EE student prospect:

IEEE Precollege Education Resources

Engineer in You

Web-EE.com

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