Best Exam Preparation Resources for Engineering Students
Engineering students face a rigorous academic journey that culminates with challenging exams across various disciplines. These exams require more than just high-level understanding; they require strategic study plans and the right resources to ensure success. In this article, we explore the most effective exam preparation resources for engineering students.
Understanding the Engineering Exam Landscape
Engineering courses are challenging, but they offer great career opportunities. To become a successful engineer, it is important to understand the exam landscape. Let's take a closer look at the different types of engineering exams, exam formats and question types, and grading and scoring systems.
Types of Engineering Exams
Engineering courses involve a variety of exams such as midterms, final exams, and qualifying exams. Midterms are usually held halfway through the semester and test the students' knowledge of the topics covered in the first half of the course. Final exams are held at the end of the semester and test the students' knowledge of the entire course. Qualifying exams are typically taken by graduate students to demonstrate their mastery of a subject before they can move on to more advanced courses.
Additionally, students may need to take professional exams such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become licensed engineers. These exams are designed to test the students' knowledge of engineering principles and their ability to apply them to real-world problems.
Exam Formats and Question Types
Exam formats and question types vary by discipline. Some exams will include multiple-choice questions, while others may require essays, calculations or problem-solving questions. It is important to know the exam format and question types before creating a study plan.
For example, civil engineering exams may include questions on structural analysis, transportation engineering, and geotechnical engineering. These questions may require the students to solve complex problems using mathematical formulas and principles.
On the other hand, computer engineering exams may include questions on digital logic design, computer architecture, and programming languages. These questions may require the students to write code, design circuits, and analyze algorithms.
Grading and Scoring Systems
Engineering exams typically use a grading and scoring system that includes marks allocated per question, overall percentage scores and final grades. Understanding the scoring system is essential to achieving good scores in exams.
For example, a civil engineering exam may have a total of 100 marks, with each question carrying a certain number of marks. The students' scores are then calculated as a percentage of the total marks. A score of 70% or above is usually considered a passing grade.
Similarly, a computer engineering exam may have a total of 200 marks, with the questions divided into different sections. The students' scores are then calculated as a weighted average of the scores in each section. A score of 80% or above is usually considered a passing grade.
In conclusion, understanding the engineering exam landscape is essential to succeeding in engineering courses and becoming a licensed engineer. By knowing the different types of exams, exam formats and question types, and grading and scoring systems, students can create effective study plans and achieve good scores in exams.
Top Engineering Textbooks and Study Guides
Engineering is a challenging field that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. The right study material is critical to exam success. Whether you are a student studying for an exam or a professional looking to refresh your knowledge, having the right textbooks and study guides is essential. Here are some of the top engineering textbooks and study guides that you should consider:
Subject-Specific Textbooks
Subject-specific textbooks are essential resources for studying and revising topics covered in exams. They provide in-depth coverage of specific topics and concepts, making it easier for students to understand complex ideas. Some popular textbooks in various engineering fields include:
“Engineering Mechanics: Statics” by J.L. Meriam and L.G. Kraige
“Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach” by Yunus A Cengel and Michael A. Boles
“Electronic Principles” by Albert Malvino and David Bates
These textbooks are widely used in engineering programs across the world and are highly recommended by professors and professionals in the field.
Comprehensive Study Guides
Comprehensive study guides cover all the key topics and concepts in a particular discipline. They often include study tips, practice questions and detailed explanations to help students grasp the key concepts and memorize essential formulas. Examples of comprehensive study guides include:
“FE Electrical and Computer Review Manual” by Michael R. Lindeburg
“Civil Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam” by Michael R. Lindeburg
These study guides are designed to help students prepare for exams by providing comprehensive coverage of all the key topics and concepts in a particular discipline. They are highly recommended for students who want to ensure that they have a solid understanding of the material before taking an exam.
Exam-Specific Review Books
Exam-specific books help students prepare for particular exams by providing past exam papers, practice questions and study tips. They are valuable resources for understanding the specific knowledge and skills required for a particular exam. Examples of exam-specific review books include:
“Civil Engineering FE Exam Preparation” by Brightwood Engineering Education
“Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam” by Michael R. Lindeburg
These review books are designed to help students prepare for specific exams by providing targeted practice questions and study tips. They are highly recommended for students who want to ensure that they are fully prepared for their exams.
Whether you are a student or a professional, having the right textbooks and study guides is essential for success in the field of engineering. Consider investing in some of these top engineering textbooks and study guides to help you achieve your goals.
Online Resources and Platforms
Engineering Course Websites
Online course websites provide access to subject-specific course material and resources. These are valuable sources of information that can help clarify concepts and consolidate understanding. Platforms such as MIT OpenCourseWare provide free access to course materials, while other sites such as Coursera and edX offer online courses in various engineering disciplines.
For example, MIT OpenCourseWare offers a wide range of engineering courses, including Aerospace, Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer, and Mechanical Engineering. The course materials include lecture notes, assignments, and exams, providing students with a comprehensive learning experience. Additionally, Coursera and edX offer online courses from top universities around the world, providing students with the opportunity to learn from experts in their field.
Online Study Groups and Forums
Joining online study groups and forums can provide students with access to a community of learners who are studying the same material. It is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss topics, and collaborate with peers. Sites such as StudyBlue, Chegg and Reddit are examples of online platforms that provide study groups and discussion forums for engineering students.
For instance, StudyBlue offers a platform for students to create and share study materials, such as flashcards and quizzes, with their peers. Chegg provides online tutoring services, allowing students to connect with subject experts for personalized help. Reddit has a variety of engineering-related subreddits, where students can ask questions and engage in discussions with other learners.
Video Lectures and Tutorials
Video lectures and tutorials enable students to learn at their own pace and help to reinforce key concepts. Educational platforms such as Khan Academy, Udemy and YouTube provide free and paid video resources on a variety of engineering topics.
For example, Khan Academy offers a series of videos on physics, including mechanics and electricity and magnetism, which are relevant to engineering students. Udemy provides a range of engineering courses, from software engineering to mechanical engineering, which are taught by industry professionals. YouTube has numerous channels dedicated to engineering, such as Real Engineering and Engineering Explained, which provide informative and engaging content on various engineering topics.
Practice Exams and Quizzes
Practice exams and quizzes are critical for exam preparation as they help students identify knowledge gaps and reinforce key concepts. Educational sites such as Quizlet and Engineering.com provide online quizzes and practice exams for various engineering disciplines.
For instance, Quizlet offers a range of engineering-related flashcards and quizzes, covering topics such as thermodynamics and circuits. Engineering.com provides practice exams for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering (PE) exams, which are required for licensure as a professional engineer.
Mobile Apps for Engineering Exam Preparation
Flashcard Apps
Flashcards are an excellent way to memorize essential formulas and concepts. Flashcard apps such as Anki, Quizlet, and StudyBlue enable students to create and share flashcards with other learners.
Formula Reference Apps
Formula reference apps provide students with quick and easy access to essential formulas. Examples of formula reference apps include Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Unit Converter and Engineering Dictionary.
Problem-Solving Apps
Problem-solving apps provide students with practice questions and solutions that help them hone their problem-solving skills. Examples of problem-solving apps include Engineering Problem-Solving, Mechanical Engineering, and Structural Analysis.
Time Management and Study Planning Apps
Time management and study planning apps help students to organize their study schedules and ensure they stay on track with their study goals. Examples of time management and study planning apps include My Study Life, Notion and Forest.
Conclusion
Preparing for engineering exams requires proper planning, time management and access to the right resources. The use of textbooks, study guides, online resources, and mobile apps can be game-changers for engineering students looking to achieve exam success. The right mix of resources can help students to ace exams and become successful problem solvers in their respective disciplines.