Want to do research in Computer Science and robotics

[rocky louis]

I didn't do that good in high school with math & science but not that I'm wiser I have better studying techniques for learning scientific and mathematical subjects. I want to know what I should major in in order to do research (Either in industry or a university. I really want to do research in a university) in Computer Science (which is my current major I'm going to for an associates in computer science at a community college) and robotics. Specifically learning how to build robots so I can advance robot technology. I was thinking in double majoring in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering.

Will the mechanical engineering degree be enough to learn how to build a robot or am I better off doing electrical engineering ?

 

[general_ebisu]

hahahahaha my friend, we got same question,,, as for me,, i love robots (its applications) and computers. computers are closer to EE, so if u love robots and computers, go for EE or CS, or double major!

 

[Hobin]

Or you could just major in a single field, and take these extra courses you find interesting and useful. Or, *gasp* you could even learn certain skills -outside- your university! If you already know what you want to do, a.) a single major will do just fine, b.) multiple majors is NOT extra impressive, and c.) why take all the ******** in the other major if you can just take the classes you like and leave out the rest?

...And I know, being a triple major, that this sounds awfully hypocritical.

 

[general_ebisu]

ur rite,,, but ur a geek, u can do all ur triple major XD!

Hobin: how about mechatronics engineering? will that be good for robotics,,, i mean its the combination of EE, CS, and ME?

 

[Hobin]

*scratches head* Just to get this out in the open, the reason I'm triple majoring is not to impress people or possible future employers, but to learn a lot. Yes, I'm somewhat of a geek, and I just want to know a lot about everything. Ergo, three majors.

 

[general_ebisu]

Hobin: ok. anyways,, what you planning after graduating from ur university?

Rocky Louis: I think EE is closer to robotics than ME.

 

[Hobin]

I don't know yet. I would like to think that I could start my own business, but there's a good chance that I may become a writer. Or maybe I'll go into research. Simply put, there are hundreds of paths I might take. I've always been in favor for opening as many doors as I can, and trying not to close any. Right now I'm focusing on these three majors, but we'll see what comes after that. Along the way, many people have told me I had to start excluding things and should focus on a few things to get really good at. I smile politely and nod, and then go on with whatever I'm interested in. ;)

 

[rocky louis]

I'm going to take an introduction to engineering course at my local community college (once I'm able to take major classes for computer science). If I double major in EE and CS would I be able to learn how to physically build a humanoid robot ?

I'm interested in doing research in AI, Cryptography, Humanoid Robotics, Gravity and general computer science.

 

[Hobin]

I'm going to take an introduction to engineering course at my local community college (once I'm able to take major classes for computer science). If I double major in EE and CS would I be able to learn how to physically build a humanoid robot ?

*sighs* You're taking the wrong approach here, but I guess I can't blame you.

You learn lots of valuable things by double majoring, but it doesn't 'learn you to do X'. If you want to do X, then start doing X! It's as simple as that. College courses will teach you the necessary skills and will make you more knowledgeable about all sorts of things, but ultimately it's -you- who has to do the work you want to do. So if you want to build a humanoid robot, by all means, start building robots! But this is not a reason to double major.

The reason I'm against double or triple majoring for these reasons is because, well, it's hard. And while doing hard stuff isn't a bad thing, per se, there comes a point where you're just wasting your time. If you want to do something specific and aren't going to double major just for the sake of these majors themselves, don't double major.

I'm interested in doing research in AI, Cryptography, Humanoid Robotics, Gravity and general computer science.

Same applies here. Start reading books about the subject. Take some courses. Get some practical experience. etc. Do not rely on college majors to do the job for you.

By the way, don't you people have a BSc in Artificial Intelligence over there? It offers classes in all of these things.

(Pssh, come to the Netherlands!)

 

[general_ebisu]

Hobin: wow men, ur soo lucky,, where are u interested in?? Id say you go for research...in emerging technologies (nanotech, AI, robotics, IT, etc). btw I am more interested in defence industry, can physicists build missiles, robots (again), exoskeleton tech, mechatronics system?

 

[Hobin]

*facepalm*

Can physicists build these things? With proper training, yes. Do physicists learn how to do these things in college? With the exception of certain small kinds of robots, no, they most likely won't. Physics is a very broad degree, so 'physics' doesn't teach you how to do these specific things, but physics is something fundamental to what you want to learn. You need to be good at physics -before- you can do these things. But when it comes to specific activities (like I said before), the only way of getting good at them is doing them.

 

[general_ebisu]

Hobin: woah dude,, looks like u got dumped by ur GF,,, okok i get u now, easy dude,,

 

[rocky louis]

Yeah but I've always been interested in computer science since I was a kid. I'm even doing a little bit of programming with python (learning how to program with a wikibook tutorial). I want to be at least able to learn how to build some type of electronic device / machinery and at the same time be able to make complex software.

Is electrical engineering better for this or mechanical engineering ?

 

[general_ebisu]

rocky louis: EE period. learn about source codes.

 

[Hobin]

Hobin: woah dude,, looks like u got dumped by ur GF,,, okok i get u now, easy dude,,

*chuckles*

Is electrical engineering better for this or mechanical engineering?

I suppose you could do either. Which major do you think you'll like more? If I had to guess, based on what you just said, I'd go for electrical engineering.

 

[general_ebisu]

If u really want to do programming, CS, making circuit boards, play w/ robotics,,,, then EE overlaps with these thing! and i agree with hobin. also EE w/ CS is very common these days I think...

 

[rocky louis]

Once I register for classes for fall around may of 2012, I'm going to talk to the staff about my interests and meanwhile I'm going to research Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering online and through books.