How Many Notebooks Did You Use for the 4 Years of Engineering?

The number of notebooks used during four years of engineering can vary greatly depending on personal preferences, study habits, and the specific courses taken. On average, a student might use 1-2 notebooks per semester, which results in 8-16 total over four years. Additional notebooks may be used for labs, projects, or specific subjects, which could add another 4-8 notebooks. In total, a typical engineering student might use 12 to 24 notebooks throughout their studies, but individual usage may differ widely.

A Practical Example: A 400-Page Note Book

RTUKota’s 4th-year syllabus utilized a single 400-page notebook that served both as a final copy and a rough copy. This single, comprehensive notebook had a structured layout, with sections dedicated to different subjects and theoretical and numerical parts.

The first 230 pages were used for the final, main copy of the notes. It included the Laws for Engineers, with specific sections for:

Product Development and Launching (PDL) Power Generation Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

The last 170 pages were used for rough work, including practical reading, class work, and drawing sketches. This multi-purpose notebook served as a valuable resource for both revision and ongoing studies.

The 5-Year Scheme: UVCE Bangalore University, 1978-79 to 1983-84

Ours was a more extensive scheme, involving a 5-year period with ten semesters at the University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) in Bangalore. During our time, the resources available were quite limited, particularly the lack of xerox machines, which were prohibitively expensive. Instead, we relied on carbon copy for making duplicates.

Each subject was covered in a separate notebook, which was a boon during revision periods. Despite the significant challenges, we cherished our student life and found practical solutions to manage and access our notes.

Transitioning to Digital Tools

With the advent of technology, note-taking has become more efficient and flexible. Digital tools like Google Drive, Evernote, and Microsoft OneNote allow students to organize their notes, collaborate with peers, and easily access information from anywhere. The shift from physical notebooks to digital can help reduce clutter, improve accessibility, and enhance overall productivity.

Conclusion

The journey from physical notebooks to digital tools in engineering studies reflects the broader evolution of academic practices. While traditional methods of note-taking, such as carbon copy, have their unique advantages, the digital era offers new opportunities for managing and utilizing knowledge effectively.