Auditing mechanical engineering classes?

AI Thread Summary
A recent physics and applied math graduate is contemplating their next steps before applying to graduate schools in materials or mechanical engineering or applied math. They opted not to apply immediately due to a lack of engineering background and mixed feelings about recent coursework, particularly in plasma physics and thermodynamics, which felt overly theoretical. They enjoyed freshman-level mechanics and are leaning towards mechanical engineering, especially courses like Statics, Dynamics, and Vibrations. Although they found applied math courses generally enjoyable, they wish to avoid graduate-level theorem proofs. The graduate is seeking advice on how to spend their time effectively, considering options such as auditing mechanical engineering courses, securing a full-time job, or pursuing an undergraduate research position. They express concerns about committing to a full-time job if they plan to participate in a summer research program. They are particularly interested in auditing fluid mechanics, statics, dynamics, and engineering thermodynamics. The discussion seeks guidance on the best course of action to enhance their engineering knowledge and experience.
creepypasta13
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I just graduated with my BS in physics and applied math. In a year or so, I may apply to grad schools in materials or mechanical engineering or applied math. I chose not to apply this fall since I don't have enough background in engineering to know for sure that I will enjoy graduate studies in those, since I haven't taken any engineering classes.

After completing plasma physics lab and thermodynamics this semester, I didn't enjoy either subject very much. I had enjoyed thermo from my freshman level calc-based physics course, but this upper-div thermo was too theoretical for me. Also, i had mixed feelings after completing quantum mechanics. That's why I've recently been leaning more towards mechanical instead of materials engineering. Also, i enjoyed my freshman-level mechanics class, so i think i may like Statics, Dynamics, and Vibrations. As for applied math, i enjoyed most of the courses in general, but didnt enjoy doing theorem proofs in real and Fourier analysis, so if graduate level applied math requires doing theorem proofs, i wish to avoid it.

I've tried looking for research positions with engineering professors at my current school, but I don't qualify for them since I don't have an engineering background. But from my undergrad research projects and lab courses in physics, I'm sure i want to do programming and modeling instead of experimental work, related to physical problems. I'm not so much interested in the programming tools, so i don't think i'd like Computer science. I'm more interested in the programming tools to solve physical problems

Since I've now graduated from college, what should i do with my time? What should I do: audit some courses in mechanical engineering, find a full-time job, or find a undergrad research position? I don't know if the finding a full-time job option would work, since i may use this upcoming summer to join a research program, so i can't just find a full-time job now, and then quit for the summer, right?

for mechanical engineering, I've looked into heat transfer, fluid mechanics, statics, dynamics, and vibrations. But the only mechE classes i can audit next semester are fluid mech, statics, dynamics, and engineering thermo
 
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