Some guidance for a prospective mech eng undergrad

Da.kid

Hi guys,

Currently in a job I really dislike and I’m persisting with it in order to save enough to return to education.
Long story short, I’m hoping to study mechanical engineering (level 7) next September and was hoping for some tips from former students on what areas to be strong in. I’m currently studying algebra and physics in my spare time in preparation and I intend to to study calculus and differential equations once I’m satisfied with my grasp of algebra. Any other mathematics areas worth revising ?

Also, I know the core subjects involved but which subjects would you say are the most integral to excel in a professional position? Thanks

Mandzhalas

It would help if you would name institution you are planing to study in. There is big difference between likes of Trinity and IT's .
I am mature, year 3 mechanical engineering student in IT. All i can suggest is don't panic, we have started from extreme basics such as fraction addition. Progressed to calculus in second semester of year 2. Started differential equations this year. I suppose in likes of trinity they would start with diff equations from begining, level of maths required would be high.

In terms of physics, i would suggest wait until you get in college, because topic will be fairly specialised and general physics wont be much of a help anyways. If you want and have spare time, look in to simple Newtown 1 and 2 law problems (for mechanical engineer its crucial topic) and equations of motion, free body diagrams drawing.

Know Excel, you will use this allot.


Also go for level 8. Chances of getting decent job with level 7 are slim to none these days

Pm me for more questions . I can give you my phone number and we can have a chat if you want.

Da.kid

Mandzhalas wrote: »

It would help if you would name institution you are planing to study in. There is big difference between likes of Trinity and IT's .
I am mature, year 3 mechanical engineering student in IT. All i can suggest is don't panic, we have started from extreme basics such as fraction addition. Progressed to calculus in second semester of year 2. Started differential equations this year. I suppose in likes of trinity they would start with diff equations from begining, level of maths required would be high.

In terms of physics, i would suggest wait until you get in college, because topic will be fairly specialised and general physics wont be much of a help anyways. If you want and have spare time, look in to simple Newtown 1 and 2 law problems (for mechanical engineer its crucial topic) and equations of motion, free body diagrams drawing.

Know Excel, you will use this allot.


Also go for level 8. Chances of getting decent job with level 7 are slim to none these days

Pm me for more questions . I can give you my phone number and we can have a chat if you want.

Looking at a Level 7 in Mechanical Engineering Athlone IT as their engineering department is fantastic and Very industry focused.

I want to do the 3 years as I’m eager to get my career started in this field and also I’ll have the option to add on the extra year to get the level 8. I wasn’t aware that job prospect were significantly less for level 7 graduates as I have many friends who are in great roles with level 7 degrees.

I have been looking at Newton’s laws quit a lot and I’m slowly building up my maths competency in algebra. I work with excel a lot but I do know the importance of it as the engineers in the company I’m currently working with often call themselves “excel engineers” jokingly.

How have you found the transition back to education? I’m still relatively young at 25 but I’m a bit panicked at the fact I have not done much maths since I graduated in 2014 from a real estate degree.

Mandzhalas

Da.kid wrote: »

Looking at a Level 7 in Mechanical Engineering Athlone IT as their engineering department is fantastic and Very industry focused.

I want to do the 3 years as I’m eager to get my career started in this field and also I’ll have the option to add on the extra year to get the level 8. I wasn’t aware that job prospect were significantly less for level 7 graduates as I have many friends who are in great roles with level 7 degrees.

I have been looking at Newton’s laws quit a lot and I’m slowly building up my maths competency in algebra. I work with excel a lot but I do know the importance of it as the engineers in the company I’m currently working with often call themselves “excel engineers” jokingly.

How have you found the transition back to education? I’m still relatively young at 25 but I’m a bit panicked at the fact I have not done much maths since I graduated in 2014 from a real estate degree.

The best advice i can give you is treat your time in college as 9-5 job. Time management is the key as you probably already know.Best students are not the smartest ones, but those who put the time into it. Generally speaking, mature students are always best in the class, because they tend to have better time management skills. As i already have mentioned, we have started from very basics, therefore it's safe to say anyone can do it no matter how long ago they did their leaving cert. I haven't had maths lecture 15 years prior college and i did ok. Same as yourself I have spent 6 months studying maths before the start of the course and i can safely say i would have been grand knowing no math whatsoever. Don't panic.

Trust me on level 7 thing - i have asked good few potential employers will they take level 7 graduates for engineer role and they gave me strict no.
If you want to be technician, level seven is good enough

Da.kid

Been researching courses in AIT and found that in the career opportunities section for the B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering its says that graduates of this courses are qualified Engineering Technicians. There is also a course, B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering & Renewable Energy which seems to qualify graduates as engineers (consultant, associate, energy engineers etc) as opposed to technicians. Both courses seem almost identical with the only difference in modules being in 3rd Year. Do you think the renewable energy would be more beneficial?

I have been looking up level 8 add on's on your advice. A one year add on is available on the completion of both of these ordinary degrees.