Can weak fundamentals make later engineering classes much harder?
Yes. If your understanding of foundational subjects is weak, later engineering classes can feel considerably harder because mathematics, physics, chemistry, programming, and similar skills are often used repeatedly. However, weak foundations are not necessarily decisive: reviewing the needed material and doing exercises or asking questions can often help you catch up.
Key points
- Advanced courses often proceed on the assumption that students know key foundational concepts.
- Identifying gaps and reviewing them early through textbooks, course materials, and practice is useful.
- The assumed knowledge and availability of remedial or learning support vary by university, department, and course.
Things to check
- The foundations required and the level of difficulty depend on the engineering field, curriculum, and the student's learning situation.