[psychojunglecat]

Hi everyone,

some background info might help:

In 2008/2009 I studied social sciences at Strathclyde university, and found one or two of the classes too airy-fairy, i.e. largely theory- based (which is fair enough) or pseudo-sciencey and so I left after first year to gain some new highers to switch to a more science-based course. I got A's in Maths, Physics and Chemistry at int. 2 level and am now sitting my Highers.

I recently attended an open university day for Edinburgh uni and more on a whim I went to the mechanical engineering tour/talks. I found it really interesting- the course seemed really hands-on and there seemed to actually be tangible results which is basically what I'm after. The thing is I have never really ever had an interest before in cars, machines or maths- Would it be a problem if I haven't got any previous experience/attraction for this type of course? The practical side of it seemed daunting, but appealling- taking apart engines and fixing things seems fascinating and I haven't ever really done it before, but I think it would be an interesting challenge.

Or am I just pissing in the wind?

[Smack]

Let me tell you this: there's very, very little practical "hands on" work in an engineering degree. So far, the only thing I've done that's "hands on" and been assessed is building a PSU. I've taken apart an engine and a gearbox and build two ROVs, but the former two were just to show us how to do it and the later were group projects where they were more interested in our team work, project management, assignment of roles and our documentation.

You'll still manage to get into an engineering course, it won't be a problem if you have no previous experience.

[shiny]

(Original post by Smack)
Let me tell you this: there's very, very little practical "hands on" work in an engineering degree.

There are a few around who are much more hands on, such as the guys at Brookes doing Motorsport Eng who always seem to be building stuff when I speak to them, however, in terms of the "elite" or "reputable" universities academic (paperwork) engineering is definitely the way zzz

[superfoggy]

as long as you love maths and physics to death , you'll be fine

[Smack]

(Original post by shiny)
There are a few around who are much more hands on, such as the guys at Brookes doing Motorsport Eng who always seem to be building stuff when I speak to them, however, in terms of the "elite" or "reputable" universities academic (paperwork) engineering is definitely the way zzz

I'd expect motorsport engineering to be much more hands on.

[StylePoints]

I was kind of worried about the practical element of the Mech Eng course at the Edinburgh Open Day, never really done anything that practical before other than Craft & Design in first/second year and I wasn't exactly the best at that But I guess I can learn and I feel like giving it a shot