What are the prerequisites / preliminary concepts that must be

>>8979929

Op amps are usually covered at the end of Circuits 1. Physics 2 and Calculus 2 are prerequisites but you could make do with Physics 1 as they review the necessary EM at the beginning of Circuits.

>What is the complication to just explaining how they work?

Ideally the inputs are virtual short circuited (their voltage difference is 0) and virtual open (their input current is 0). Also they saturate if you hit the V+ or V- rails. There, you know everything you need to to make/analyze circuits with op amps.

>>8979947
Yes, thanks.

My problem is I have not had circuits, yet need to understand unideal configurations.

I don't mind reading up, I just don't know where to start.

>>8979951

http://4chan-science.wikia.com/wiki/Electrical_and_Electronics_Engineering

Check some of the circuit books here, read what they have to say about OP amps.

I understand your pain, it gets tricky seeing them, let alone trying to solve them.

>>8979968
Would you recommend a particular book?

There isn't a section on op-amps. Thanks for all the help.