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From: kls30@duts.ccc.amdahl.com (Kent L Shephard)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: don't read this unless you empathize with ...(arg)
Message-ID: <47O.029T03cv01@JUTS.ccc.amdahl.com>
Date: 7 Nov 90 17:20:01 GMT
References: <11242.2730bfd5@ecs.umass.edu> <1990Nov2.223926.26095@ameristar>
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In article <1990Nov2.223926.26095@ameristar> rick@ameristar (Rick Spanbauer) writes:
>If you're having trouble with circuit analysis, I would look for
>weaknesses in either math or physics background.  I found that taking

I had/have trouble with circuit anlysis.  I now have a degree in EE
computers of course.  I don't have a weakness in calc or physics.
I can handle any calc or physics you give me just fine.  Circuit
analysis requires the correct approach.  If no one tells you the correct
approach ( a GOOD instructor) you won't do it well.  I was never taught
by a good instructor so my circuit analysis skills suck, that's one
reason I like digital design so much, only ones and zeros.

>two semesters of calc (and actively taking the third semester of calc 
>along w/circuit analysis) was an extremely successful strategy.  Anyway
>you cut it if your trig calc isn't up to snuff you're dead meat.  If
>the problem is that you make mistakes with the large system of matrices
>the only solution is to practice more until the mistakes are minimized.
>Finally, doing a dimensional analysis at the end (ie the answer is in
>the right units), checking that the answer makes sense, etc at the
>point you finish the test is a good thing to do - try to finish your
>exam 15 minutes early for this phase.
>
CRAP, CRAP, CRAP, CRAP.

This may be good for him but not for everybody.  I think that what is
needed is for someone to teach the proper techniques for analysis,
which I have found most instructors don't.  They expect you to just
"pick it up" and that pisses me off.  You don't just "pick it up."
Circuit analysis is like driving - poor instuctor that doesn't
teach you the basics and you never develop good skills because the
foundation is missing.

>If the problem is a bad instructor, just take a different section or
>wait until the current instructor has his semester off.
>

This is not always possible if you want to graduated and that is the only
instuctor teaching the class for the next year or so.  What happens if
the new guy/woman is worst than the first, you could spend your
whole life waiting for that right instructor.

I say you live with a 'C', find someone good at circuit analysis and
ask them to show you the proper techniques.
>                                       Rick Spanbauer
>					Ameristar

BTW - I'm working on my MSEE in digital and computer system design and
have worked in the industry full time for about 2 years and if I have
a job and if they ask me to do analysis on an analog circuit I plan
to quit!

Don't do drugs!  - No I don't,  but I don't do analog either.  8-)

               Kent.
--
/*  -The opinions expressed are my own, not my employers.    */
/*      For I can only express my own opinions.              */
/*                                                           */
/*   Kent L. Shephard  : email - kls30@DUTS.ccc.amdahl.com   */