Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the choice between pursuing a degree in Engineering Physics (EP) or Mechanical Engineering (ME), particularly in relation to career opportunities in nanotechnology. Participants explore the breadth of each discipline and their marketability in the job market.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses a preference for Engineering Physics due to its broad scope, which includes elements from Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and physics, suggesting it may offer more learning and job opportunities.
- Another participant argues that employers currently prefer candidates with specific skills rather than broad ones, citing job advertisements that emphasize the need for knowledge in particular software and concepts relevant to Mechanical Engineering.
- There is a suggestion that Electrical Engineering may be more relevant to nanotechnology than Mechanical Engineering, prompting a recommendation to narrow down specific interests within the field of nanotechnology.
- One participant believes that Engineering Physics would be advantageous for nanotechnology as it incorporates aspects of Electrical Engineering and Environmental Engineering.
- A brief comment indicates a general interest in Mechanical Engineering without further elaboration.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the marketability of Engineering Physics compared to Mechanical Engineering, with no consensus reached on which degree is definitively better for a career in nanotechnology.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the importance of specific skills in the job market and the potential relevance of different engineering disciplines to nanotechnology, but do not resolve the implications of these factors for degree choice.