Some advice needed

G-Money

I've been thinking about other areas that I may have an interest in. Sort of as a way to better myself and things to do in my spare time.

I'm currently working in IT, in the software end of things. I'm not a developer or coder, but I work with software in a reasonably technical area.

I was thinking about other aspects of engineering that I might possibly look into. I guess one or two areas that caught my eye were perhaps mechanical engineering or even something as out there as aerodynamics.

However there is one rather huge problem. I am completely atrocious at mathematics. I'm not being unduly negative on myself, it's the cold, hard, unfortunate truth. I went to school in the north so I did GCSE's and they seperated people into different classes for mathematics. I was in the basic class for mathematics

As a result, I was told that the highest grade I could get was an E. As it turned out, that's what I got. So needless to say, I imagine my lack of ability when it comes to numbers may be a big hindrance.

I suppose I was just wondering if anyone else here has done engineering. How are the mathematics requirements? Would I be wasting my time completely by even looking into that area?

Thanks.

bnt

If you are genuinely atrocious at Maths, then Engineering is simply not for you, at least not a Level 8 degree. I'm doing Engineering (Structural) at UCD, and all their L8 Engineering programmes have a common core Maths component (2-3 courses per year) and other courses use that Maths. You might not imagine that advanced Calculus has any bearing on e.g. the behaviour of electric motors or steel beams, but it works its way in to all kinds of areas in Engineering.

However, it's possible that you do have some Maths aptitude, but it's been held back by bad teaching. But you'll definitely have to get to grips with Maths if you want to study anything in Engineering or Science at L8.

random.stranger

Have to agree with bnt,
I am sceptical as to whether it was your lack of ability or your teachers`, maybe there was just something that didn't click with you and you fell behind.

I would recommend you aim to prove to yourself that you can become good at maths before comitting to studying Engineering. It can be self thought, if you get your hands on "Engineering Maths" by K A Stroud it will cover a lot of leaving cert maths & is layed out in a very user-friendly way, that allows students to work their way through topics starting with the easy stuff & building up towards the more advanced.

If you wanted, you could even sit a past paper under exam conditions & mark yourself to see if you are up to scratch (Im pretty sure you can buy past papers with solutions).

jomo99

Sometimes it is down to the teacher, math is very difficult to teach. I was terrible at math until I went to university, and met a really good teacher who had the passion to pass it on to his student's. He made it sound cool, and very easily I was really enjoying math and found it easy. Give it another try, I did at 30 years of age, and never looked back.

John

G-Money

I was never particularly good at mathematics in Primary school from what I can remember, however in secondary school I was awful. I hated mathematics, probably because I found it so hard. I don't know if that's just a lack of ability on my part as opposed to bad teaching. However I've always assumed it was just because I didn't have the mental ability for it.

I've occasionally thought about re-doing my GCSE Mathematics course however I suppose it's not something I've ever been super motivated or interested in doing.

I'm going to look into that book that a previous poster mentioned. I guess it might be nice to re-acquaint myself with the various topics outside the pressure cooker environment of school. That's one thing that sort of bothered me. I felt like the thing was taught quite quickly and straight away we were into doing homework on something and I never really understood the thing properly to begin with. I suppose it seemed a bit rushed or hurried and from that point on, it was a slippery slope.

Pembily

Grandmaster how are you parents with maths?? Seemingly if your parents are confident with maths you will be confident with maths (a guidance counsellor told me this)!!

I was told today by our Adv Mechanical lecturer that our maths was atroticious and we are 4th year Mech Eng:eek:

I have given grinds to guys in all years in maths and alot of the time its how its taught, give it a go, maybe try a maths course online and see, defo try that book.

G-Money

My parents are ok at mathematics, as are my sisters. The funny thing is that my youngest sister is a complete genius. She got all A's and A star grades in her GCSE's and the same in her A levels. She's super smart with numbers and is a qualified accountant now.

I've ordered that book so it will be good to get a refresher at maths, it's got good reviews on Amazon as well. I don't know if mechanical or aeronautical engineering is something I want to do, but it seems interesting and I'd like to find out more about it to see if I like it.

Pembily

grandmaster wrote: »

My parents are ok at mathematics, as are my sisters. The funny thing is that my youngest sister is a complete genius. She got all A's and A star grades in her GCSE's and the same in her A levels. She's super smart with numbers and is a qualified accountant now.

I've ordered that book so it will be good to get a refresher at maths, it's got good reviews on Amazon as well. I don't know if mechanical or aeronautical engineering is something I want to do, but it seems interesting and I'd like to find out more about it to see if I like it.

Mech Eng is less specified - which is why I chose it, can be a good / bad thing!!! I specified this year only!!