Ok so, i'm thinking of studying engineering next year at uni, i was wondering if anyone by any random chance, has any info on what its like, what you would learn in first year?

And i know it'd be different in different countries, but i figured, it can't be too different right? just the basics? so how about it, anyone got any information on it?

And i guess, post your long shot questions in here and see if anyone around can answer them for you as well

Hi there Meteora.. I took up Civil Engineering and I graduated last May.. Engineering here in PH is normally 5 years; how about in your country? Anyway, what Engineering course are you going to take? Here in PH, first-year subjects are usually the same for all Engineering courses.. You'll encounter Algebra, Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry as Math Subjects, Chemistry and Physics, Engineering Drafting, then the minor ones like History, Communication Skills (we still have Filipino and English Lessons), Literature and of course our favorite: P. E.!!! Hehehehe .nerd.

I'm taking Mechanical Engineering at the moment here in Canada.

First year, it's all general, so all the engineers have to take the same courses, and then second year is when you get into your major.

As for the classes you have to take, my university requires 5 courses in the first term. Linear Algebra, Calculus I, Organic Chemistry, Physics: Dynamics and Statics, and Introduction to Engineering. You can then add a minor course that is also called a "liberal studies".

But all in all, every university/college is different. My friends are in a higher tier university, and they have different classes, plus longer hours per week.

Like pluto, i'm taking ME too - mechanical engineering (and in my last year, wuhoo, haha), 5 years here in the Philippines, (4 years in my school, fast-paced yeah, almost no break at all ) .hardwork.

you'll be taking of course the FUNDAMENTALS, mathematics, sciences, and some "intro to engineering" courses. Some of these are algebra, trigo, calculus, physics, chemistry, solid mensuration, analytic geometry, etc.

language courses like what lieanne said (filipino and english here)

and P.E. courses, Socials Sciences and Humanities courses...

take seriously of this basics so you won't get into trouble when you get to your higher courses...


my question, you know about ABET guys? Did your school made their tuition fee higher when they got accredited by it? haha. weird question

I'm currently taking Computer Engineering and I'm a first year student.

You really need to do well especially in algebra which is the heart of mathematics.

For now, I don't feel any pressure because my block is just like we were in high school.

Good luck!

ah cool thanks guys, i didn't know there would be so many engineers out there .sweat.
but thats great, yeah i've heard its all general first year as well and you major second year, makes sense i guess since you should have a taste then choose hey

@LieAnn: ah over here its a 5 year course as well and yeah i kind of guessed that maths would play a big role in first year, which is great because i kind of like maths .chesttap. What is civil engineering like? because i was thinking of majoring in that, do you like it?

@monogrith7 & LieAnn: What is P.E.? Policital....engin.....physical...studies(sport)....PEOPLE ENGINEERING!

@monogrith7 & Pluto: What is mechanical engineering like? i'm hoping to get as much information as possible on all this so questions for everyone =P

@alois: hope you enjoy computer engineering, i'm not great at programming and all that so i don't think i'll major in that, but its good to know we use algebra heaps, i like it so i'll brush up on it during the sumer break .sweat. =P

P.E. is Physical Education (Gym) or whatever. (If we use the same terms)

Mechanical Engineering, is very physics and math heavy. You won't need chemistry at all after first year. And when I say heavy, I mean HEAVY. Make sure you are strong in any type of math if you want to head into any type of engineering.

Basically, mechanical engineering is anything that moves. Mechanical systems are our specialty. So like the joints in your arms/legs/neck, robots, cars, pulleys, etc. It's not just cars and trains, just so you know.

^yeah that's it, you only need chemistry in subjects like internal combustion engines where air and fuel has chemical properties needed to be analyzed.

I'll just add some tracks you may want to take as a specialty in mechanical engineering:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) - refrigeration, air-conditioning

Mechatronics (Robotics) - combined Electronics engineering and Mechanical engineering, basically about automation

Automotive Engineering - vehicles

P.E. is a requirement of engineering....? or just an elective you chose as an extra...

mechanical engineering sounds pretty good actually, i was looking at mechatronics as well, a guy i met at a uni open day said that its easier to find work since you are skilled in electronics and the mechanical stuff, and a little of the programming

would you guys recommend mechanical engieering? aside from it being intense maths, is it enjoyable to learn about? or do you just find it overbearing...?

I just graduated from Mechatronics Engineering last December.

About easier to look for a job. I see a different scene here in Australia. Sometimes they prefer someone who studied more indepth in Mechanical or Electrical or Software Engineering. So it's not always a sure chance to get those jobs since Mechatronics don't go as deep in those areas but we are good at intergrating all the three aspects together and look at them as a whole. Most people don't even know what Mechatronics is. They would normally go "Mecha-what?" But for sure you will get jobs which needs the expertise of a Mechatronics Engineer. These days it's all about integration of Mechanical-Electrical-Software.

I get to do a few robotic projects during uni and it was quite enjoyable. Projects I did were; a satelite thingy that shoots a laser at targets. A robot that navigates through a maze called the micromouse. For my thesis I did a robotic violin player and was in charge of the mechanical aspect of it.

^ Cool, and now i'm 100% taking Mechatronics next term .clap.

P.E. is just a minor course

Yes i recommend mechanical engineering, since it has a lot of job opportunities out there, anything you see is where mechanical engineering is applied or somehow applied..

It is enjoyable or FUN for me since i find it interesting....especially in robots, even though i don't have the slightest skills for it, I still like it, it just INTERESTS me..., well that's why i will study it for me to learn...

nice! .clap.
i myself is an engineer too... I'm an Electronic Engineer here in PH...
Well as expected in Engineering, lots and lots of math.. but i find it really awesome... not all people likes numbers...

well anyway.. in our field electronic engineering is an engineering discipline which uses the scientific knowledge of the behavior and effects of electrons to develop components, devices, systems, or equipment (as in electron tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, and printed circuit boards) that uses electricity as part of its driving force.

well how can i say this in my perspective.. without mechatronics, we electronic engineers can't move in the field.. .wew.

better pick a good course..

haha ah electronics, i loved that stuff, did well in them last year, mechatronics and mechanical sound like fun, a robot that plays the violin as your thesis? thats amazing, that is just mind blowing that you could make that through this course wow .wow.
and haha i love the idea of making and playing with robots too, just need hte opportunity to get some hands on experience, so yeah i might look into majoring in mechanical or mechatronics....it sounds really cool, i'll have to see how first year goes haha .sweat.

Wow lots of Engineers here in SH..

@Meteora: Hahaha Physical Education.. Don't mind it, just enjoy it.. Hehehe.. Anyway on the serious stuff, Civil Engineering has many branches (Structural, Transportation, Geotechnical etc.), but in general it is about Building and Construction. If you're fascinated how structures like Skyscrapers, Tunnels, Dams and Bridges were designed and built, then go for it! (Mechanical Engineers has a big role too in the Construction phase of a structure.) And just like what our co-members said, you must be in good terms with numbers.. Hehehe. And while ME is about dynamics, then CE is about statics. OMG these are the hardest subject in CE: Engineering Mechanics (also in ME), Strength of Materials (also in ME too), Structural Theory, Concrete Design, Steel Design, Timber Design and Design of Structures.. Also, you should also be in good terms with Stress, Strain, Shear, Moment, Forces and Loads (Earthquake, Wind, Snow, Water etc etc..) Phew.. I got dizzy just remembering these terms

And in terms of employment.. Well, our Electronics and Computer Engineers are in the lead.. Civil Engineers are in demand in places where construction is in progress like in the Middle East.. But of course structures like I mentioned before are necessities so as long as the community needs them Civil Engineers will be hired.. Hehe

haha yeah civil engineers should always be needed i'd assume =P
but statistics aren't really my thing...
ah stress strain and shear i know thats essential because of course you need to consider all forces and everything and strain ah god i just got away from that in physics, and it gets harder

what is "Concrete Design" and others? learning about the strength and properties of structural elements so you know what is best for each different situation?
i love how bridges work, like they can be made to account for earthquakes and 300km/h winds and everything, its amazing, but it's probably insanely tough hey? .sweat.

If you like making bridges, then go Industrial or Civil.

If you don't like tension, kinematics, dynamics, statics, then stay away from mechanical.

ah... ok well thanks for the info everyone, i am very much looking forward to studying engineering next year, hopefully i get in, thanks a lot

Don't worry, you'll get in as long as you will work hard.

It's okay if you don't have much knowledge in other subjects. That's why you study, for you to learn them and achieve what you want.

Meteora07 wrote:what is "Concrete Design" and others? learning about the strength and properties of structural elements so you know what is best for each different situation?

That's right.. When you're designing structures, there are many factors to be considered like the loads applied on the structure, temperature, location where the structure will be built, and the materials to be used.. Like in concrete design, there is this factor called water-cement ratio.. Their are different ratios used while designing, depending on the strength of the concrete you want to achieve to withstand the loads applied on it etc etc.. Hehehe..

Anyway, a bridge fascinates me too more than any structure... I love that Akashi-Kaiko Bridge in Japan which is by far the longest suspension bridge in the world..

yeah i saw a documentary about it a few weeks back and how they counter the massive wind forces and everything, and even the pendulums inside the supports that counter the effects of an earthquake!
its amazing, thats what really got my attention to civil engineering, but mechanical still sounds fun, first year should be interesting =) civil apparently has some good job prospects over here, top students earn 90-120k first year its mind blowing .wtf.

I'M AN ECE STUDENT... hello... can i ask questions here? about my program?

Billy, you can always ask right away. There are many students here so there's a good chance your questions will be answered. And this thread is entitled "Long shots" anyway, so there would be no problem.