Has the world of electronics always fascinated you? Have you ever enjoyed tinkering with different parts of a machine? Then, studying Electrical Engineering at USyd is something you should consider!
In this article, we’ll be giving all the information and insider-insight you’ll need to know before applying for this degree.
Let’s dive in!
What is a Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Electrical Engineering) at USYD?
Core Units and Specialisations
How to Get into Electrical Engineering at USYD
What’s the Teaching Format?
What’s the Faculty and Culture Like?
What is a Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Electrical Engineering) at USYD?
Electrical Engineering at USyddeals with the use of electricity in different systems of all sizes, from circuits to cars. In this course, students learnthe scientific foundations of what electrical devices need and are taught how to solve problems in different electronic systems!
If you’ve always been curious about electricity, as well ashow to design and create systems that require it, this could be an awesome degree for you!
Honours
In the last year of study, Electrical Engineering at USyd integrates an Honours program, where studentscomplete two theses while also completing their remaining specialisation electives.
Double Degree Options
This coursedoesn’t need to be studied with another degree. However, students can choose to study Electrical Engineering with the following degrees:
Career Paths
The main career and most obvious pathway for this degree is becoming anElectrical Engineer.However,based on a graduate’s specialisation, they can diversify into careersincluding:
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- Power transmission and generating systems engineer
- Industry power supply engineer
- Computer hardware designer
- Consultant
- Project Manager
Core Units and Specialisations
There are two types of core units:Engineering Core and Electrical Core!
Engineering core units teach all the basics that are needed for any engineering discipline which includesingle and multivariable calculus, Linear Algebra, Statistics.
The Electrical Core units teach thefoundational knowledge necessary to understand the later specialisation units as well as to understand the basics of Electrical Engineering(physics, electronics, programming and so on). These units include:
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- 数据结构与算法
- Fundamentals of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Simulation and Numerical Solutions in Engineering
- Electronic Devices and Circuits
- Signals and Systems
- Digital Logic
- Linear Mathematics and Vector Calculus
- Physics 1 (Regular)
- Physics 1 (Technology)
- Physics 2EE
The multiple physics unitshelp students understand the principles behind the physical objects electrical engineers make. They are studied in the first and second year of the degree.
Similarly, the Electronic Units,Fundamentals of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringandElectronic Devices and Circuits,introduces students to circuit analysis as well as key electrical devices (BJTs and Mosfets).数据结构与算法introduces students to use programming to solve problems efficiently.
Specialisations
There arefive specialisations to choose fromin Electrical Engineering at USyd:
AComputer Engineeringspecialisation focuses the student’s knowledge of Electrical Engineering into areas ofadvanced computer systems, computer science and computer networking.The specialisation is mainly taught incomputer-based tutorials and also diversifies the student’s skillset intoSoftware Engineering.
AnIntelligent Information Engineeringspecialisation teaches students the latest technologies such assmart cities, advanced manufacturing, automatic driving and 5G. There is a focus on multimedia and sensory signal processing in this specialisation.
Work Experience
In the final year of the course, there is anintegrated engineering work experience where students must complete a minimum of 200 hours working at a firm of their choice. This is part of the Professional Engagement Program.
How to Get into Electrical Engineering at USYD
The ATAR cut-off for Electrical Engineering at USyd is92, and there are no additional assessments for entry.
Assumed Knowledge
The assumed knowledge for the course isHSC Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics.While it isn’t compulsory to have studied these subjects,USyd recommends taking a bridging courseto gain the foundational knowledge for this degree.
Alternate Pathways
There are other entry pathways other than meeting the ATAR cut-off. Current USyd students canopt to transfer to Electrical Engineering from a similar degree, such as a Bachelor of Science.
Scholarships
Prospective students should definitely look into scholarships as well!
For female applicants, theSchool of Electrical and Information Engineering Diversity Scholarshipsoffer a lump sum of $15000. The requisite is that they have achieveda minimum ATAR of 95 or above.
More generally, theSydney Scholars Awardoffers $6000 to outstandingYear 12 students who have earned an ATAR from 95 to 99.85.
What’s the Teaching Format?
Electrical Engineering at USyd isstudied in semestersand in a combination oflectures, tutorials and practicals.
Class Structure
Lectures
Lectures are generally attended byupwards of 20studentsand are usually1-2 hours long. They provide the general content and understanding of the unit whereby thelecture speakers mainly explain the basics; however, it’s more than likely that students will use various resources to learn, not just the lectures.
Tutorials
教程有向上s of10 to 15 studentsattending them. These classes are where studentsapply their problem-solving skills towards physics questions, math questions and conceptsat a theoretical level.
Tutes push students to think outside the box andanalyse literature to solve new and challenging problems.They are also usually1-2 hours long.
Practicals
Practicals are generally mandatory classes with around20 to 30 peopleattending— though, this depends on how many people do the unit. As the name suggests, they arehands-on classes where students get to work with different types of electrical systems.
They are generallyheld in the laboratory or computer rooms.Practicals are longer classes thatoften last 3 hours.
Contact Hours
Since studying Electrical Engineering requires practical work,expect to spend 15 hours or more per weekattending the classes!
Assessments
The main assessments are in the form ofweekly assessments, mid-semester assessments and final exams.
Each week, students will completequizzes and lab reportsfrom their practicals. Theseensure that students comprehend the class contentand so, these assessments are very low in weighting.Weekly quizzes are around 1%, and lab reports are approximately 2-5%.
During the semester, students usually are assessed on alab exam that weighs 15-20%. This also reinforces the students’ knowledge and ability to conduct their work accurately and within a prompt timeframe.
Lastly, thefinal exams are sit-in exams around 60%and focus on the students’ problem-solving and calculation skills. With such a large weighting, theyconsolidate all of the unit content, and there are often questions that will challenge and extrapolate from the general content.
Skills That You Refine and Learn
The top 3 skills that Electrical Engineering at USyd refines are:
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- Analytical
- Laboratory
- Problem-solving
Analytical skills are sharpened byapplying the foundational knowledge of physics, calculus, scientific methodology and other mathematical concepts to understand electrical systems和其他学生选择speci架构alisation. For example, an Intelligent Information Engineering specialisation will provide analytical skills in multimedia and sensory signal processing.
As practicals are part of the weekly classes, Electrical Engineering graduates will acquireproficient laboratory skills and the technical knowledge on how to use toolsand different methods in the laboratory safely.
Lastly, Electrical Engineering graduates will develop an eye for解决问题和应用有效的策略to troubleshooting problems.These will include routine methods as well as innovative ideas in the context of electrical engineering systems!
What’s the Faculty and Culture Like?
Faculty and Cohort
For Hussam, he has found thatthe faculty is generally very supportive and helpful.They continuously encourage reaching out if clarification on anything is needed and if extra help is required.
Though the facilities are currently being renovated,the faculty still ensures that each class has all the essentials neededfor effective learning.
Engineering students have been some of the nicest people Hussam has ever met, and all new students will always be welcomed with open arms. They arevery supportive, and whenever you need help, they’ll always work with you.
SparkSoc
SparkSocis the main Electrical Engineering Society and isa definite recommendation for new first-year Electrical Engineering students.The society holds networking nights specifically for aspiring Electrical Engineers that allow students to interact with industry representatives.
SparkSoc also hasvarious workshops on Electrical Engineering skills, for example, low-level programming. This gives students a chance todiversify their skillset and learn something fun and new.
There arevarious social events,such as games nights that allow members to meet their peers. SparkSoc are alsorenowned for their free food events!
Interested in the pros and cons of Electrical Engineering at USYD? Check out our piece here!
Lynn Chenis a Content Writer at Art of Smart Education and is a Communication student at UTS with a major in Creative Writing. Lynn’s articles have been published in Vertigo, The Comma, and Shut Up and Go. In her spare time, she also writes poetry.
