Aerospace vs Mech Eng: What's the Difference?

[rocketboy]

Hey,

I was wondering what the main differences are between an aerospace eng and mech eng undergrad program. I've been looking into aerospace but there are very very few (i think 2) universities in Canada that offer it as an undergraduate study. (UofT and Carleton). So what does it offer that mech eng doesn't and vice versa?

Thanks
-Jon

 

[cronxeh]

basically:

AE: in your senior year you choose AeroDynamics, Aircraft flight mechanics, Aerospace propulsion
ME: you take finite element analysis or some advanced statics class, some electives (HVAC, Internal Combustion Engine, etc).

 

[Knavish]

Would it be more practical to get an undergrad in aerospace versus physics? I am thinking that I should do this - and afterwards go to grad school for physics. Is there really no point in this? Should I go physics for undergrad too?

 

[brewnog]

Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering degrees are broadly the same in the UK, the latter being more general and the former (naturally) concentrating slightly more on aerodynamics and aerospace systems, and less on manufacturing and materials.

An engineering degree would definitely be more "practical" than a physics degree, but you need to ask yourself whether practicality is a real consideration in your studies. Good luck either way.

 

[rocketboy]

This may be a stupid question, however since only 2 Canadian universities offer aero eng at undergrad level, perhaps not so much. If i were to go into a graduate aerospace program after i did my undergrad, how much of an advantage would i have coming out of an aerospace eng vs coming out of mech eng. I'm sure there are many mech eng undergrad students who go into aeros grad studies...so what is the advantage to an aero undergrad?

thanks, you guys are the greatest help.
-jon