Can I Become a Scientist with a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the pathway to becoming a scientist for someone with a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. Participants explore the necessary qualifications, such as advanced degrees, and the nature of scientific work in both academia and industry.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the necessity of pursuing a postgraduate degree in physics to become a scientist after completing a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Another participant asserts that a PhD and postdoctoral experience are generally required to be considered a scientist, referencing a related thread for additional information.
  • A different participant challenges this view, stating that in industry, individuals with only master's or even undergraduate degrees can hold the title of scientist if they have sufficient experience.
  • One participant questions the criteria for being labeled a scientist, noting that the title seems to be reserved for upper-level researchers in industry.
  • Another participant emphasizes that research does not need to be "pure" to qualify as science, but suggests that some form of research is necessary.
  • A later reply humorously acknowledges a previous comment about "pure" research, indicating a light-hearted approach to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the qualifications necessary to be considered a scientist, particularly regarding the importance of advanced degrees and the nature of scientific work in industry versus academia. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are varying definitions of what constitutes a "scientist," and the discussion reflects differing experiences and interpretations of qualifications and roles in both academic and industrial contexts.

arvind391
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i m going to complete my btech in mechanical engg. stream. i want to become a scientist. how can i be? should i do my P.G in physics ?
 
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You will generally need a PhD and some post docs to be considered for a position of "scientist". Check out the "so you want to be a physicist" thread. Much of that information applies to bio and chem as well.
 
ModusPwnd said:
You will generally need a PhD and some post docs to be considered for a position of "scientist". Check out the "so you want to be a physicist" thread. Much of that information applies to bio and chem as well.

This is not true in my experience. Maybe by some strict standard of academia, but in industry plenty of people with just masters degrees and those with just undergraduate degrees (if they have enough experience) earn the title scientist.

I work with an example of each, and I have extremely limited work experience.

And, in case there is any question of whether or not these people are scientists... they are.
 
What makes them scientists? Thats not a title I see much in industry, and I think its usually reserved for upper level researchers.
 
Last edited:
ThereIam said:
This is not true in my experience. Maybe by some strict standard of academia, but in industry plenty of people with just masters degrees and those with just undergraduate degrees (if they have enough experience) earn the title scientist.

I work with an example of each, and I have extremely limited work experience.

And, in case there is any question of whether or not these people are scientists... they are.

I'm with Modus. what industry do you work in? it may be the title given to them by their employers but are they doing pure science research? i know people with physics B.Sc. who hold the title "engineer" but can't register as a professional engineer.
 
I wouldn't think that research need be "pure" to be considered science, but surely there must at least be research!
 
ModusPwnd said:
I wouldn't think that research need be "pure" to be considered science, but surely there must at least be research!

true, i don't know why i added pure haha.
 

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