Mechanical vs Electrical

I've noticed everyone seems to be applying for Mechanical/Aerospace engineering here. I have a place for Mechanical Engineering at a uni I like (for 2010 entry) but I'm having thoughts of changing it to Electrical/Electronic. I am more interested in software and electronics (even though I know nothing about it yet, except some programming and basic circuitry) than I am in engines.

I get the impression that everyone with offers for electronic engineering have circuit boards at home and know so much more than me, this is the only thing stopping me from changing. Plus, I actually got lower than my offer by one grade but they still gave me an offer. Do you think I should request to change it?

Also, do any electrical engineers have suggestions for things to do during my gap year (aside from working and travelling, I already have that - and I'm trying this Year In Industry thing too)? Should I read about circuitry, I'm already self-teaching C++, will that be helpful?

Reply 1

burf87

Hi

I graduated with a 2.1 in Electronic Engineering (BEng) from the University of Warwick in 2008. I don't know about your course syllabus, but on my course at Warwick, General Engineering (i.e, Electronic, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc) were tought to everyone, although most people had already chosen their specialisations. After the first year we were able to select the modules that we were interested in, and we could also mix specialisations. It was not until the third year that we had to come to a firm decision about which specialisation to follow.

I had very much a pub knowledge of electronics before I started my degree. I.e, I knew what most components were and how they interact.

My advice for you before starting first year is make sure you are strong mathematically, particularly in calculus. Although probably not essential, it does make life so much easier if you are pretty fluent with maths. In terms of specific electronics things to look at, maybe have a look at some Boolean Logic theory and look at some of the electronics laws, such as Ohms Law and Kirchoffs Current and Voltage Laws. All this will almost certainly be taught to you in detail anyway, but I suppose it is best to have a bit of a headstart.

In terms of practical knowledge (soldering, circuitboards etc) I wouldn't woory too much. I think during my whole degree, I probably soldered a maximum of three times. There is plenty of practical, but prerequisite practical knowledge was not required.

Hope this helps a little. If anythings still not clear, or if you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask

Rgds

Reply 2

BluesMan

Neither mechanical or electrical are better or more academically rigorous. Both are hard degrees, and both result in diverse and plentiful job opportunities.

Traditionally, Electrical and Electronic Engineering has more complicated maths involved than Mechanical Engineering.

It sounds like your more of an Elec Eng'er. I am on a EEE course at the minute and would recommend it. I certainly don't have much of an interest in combustion engines, and find myself much better off not learning about them as a result :smile:

. In the same way, a lot of my mechanical engineer counterparts hate computers with a passion and wouldn't survive the programming modules through sheer bordem. I, on the other hand, love programming and enjoy the opportunity to learn about it on my course.

Just different degrees for different people. Pick which one you are and go with it :smile:

BTW - Don't worry about having little pervious knowledge, they teach you everything on the degree from scratch and assume no prior knowledge. The first year is practically A level Physics, Maths, Electronics and Computing all rolled into one.

Mechanical vs Electrical

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