The discussion centers around the relevance of a chemistry minor for mechanical engineering students, particularly in relation to fields like robotics and materials science. Participants explore the potential benefits and alternatives to studying chemistry within the context of their engineering education.
There is no clear consensus on whether a chemistry minor is necessary or beneficial for mechanical engineering students. While some participants advocate for materials science as a more relevant minor, others suggest that a solid foundation in chemistry is also important. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of taking additional chemistry courses.
Participants note that the relevance of chemistry courses may depend on the specific topics covered and how they relate to materials science. There is also mention of varying requirements across different educational institutions.
Agree. Mechanical engineers should be well versed in materials science and engineering. If you haven't had any chemistry, though, take a 1 yr introductory course in chemistry as well.Sirsh said:Material science would be a most useful minor than chemistry, in my opinion.
I have a question though. I've only taken the a first semester General Chem course because that was all that was required at my school (as well as all FL public Universities) for mechanical engineering. Should I take Gen chem 2 as well?CrysPhys said:Agree. Mechanical engineers should be well versed in materials science and engineering. If you haven't had any chemistry, though, take a 1 yr introductory course in chemistry as well.
Depends on the topics covered, which varies from school to school. Do you have a listing?Quantumfied said:I have a question though. I've only taken the a first semester General Chem course because that was all that was required at my school (as well as all FL public Universities) for mechanical engineering. Should I take Gen chem 2 as well?
Here is the course descriptionCrysPhys said:Depends on the topics covered, which varies from school to school. Do you have a listing?
If it were me, I would take it, preferably prior to intro to materials.Quantumfied said:Here is the course description
This provides a study of chemistry covering the following topics: mathematics and measurement in chemistry, the periodic table, stoichiometry of chemical equations and reactions in solution, oxidation-reduction reactions, thermo chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, and gases. Selected experiments reinforce and apply lecture material, with the use of computers in the laboratory as an option.
That was the Gen chem 1 description. The class that I've taken. Sorry I may have gotten confused did you want me to post the Gen chem 2 description?CrysPhys said:If it were me, I would take it.
Yes, post the Chem 2 topics so I tell whether those topics overlap a lot with what you would get in materials science.Quantumfied said:That was the Gen chem 1 description. The class that I've taken. Sorry I may have gotten confused did you want me to post the Gen chem 2 description?
This course provides a study of chemistry that covers the following topics: intermolecular forces of solids and liquids, solutions, kinetics, chemical equilibrium systems, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Selected experiments reinforce lecture material and may include qualitative analysis, with the use of computers in the laboratory as an option.CrysPhys said:Yes, post the Chem 2 topics so I tell whether those topics overlap a lot with what you would get in materials science.
If you've got a semester elective available, I would take it. There will be some overlap with basic materials science courses, but the approach, perspective, and emphasis are a bit different, and I personally think having both is useful. But if you are short on electives (e.g., if you want to take more programming), it's OK to skip it. But double check with the instructors in your materials science and engineering courses to see what they think about the usefulness of your Chem 2.Quantumfied said:This course provides a study of chemistry that covers the following topics: intermolecular forces of solids and liquids, solutions, kinetics, chemical equilibrium systems, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Selected experiments reinforce lecture material and may include qualitative analysis, with the use of computers in the laboratory as an option.