Is it hard to transfer from engineering to science?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations of transferring from an electronic engineering course to a chemistry program. Participants explore the implications of such a transfer, particularly in the context of academic prerequisites and personal interests in STEM fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong desire to pursue chemistry despite being accepted into an electronic engineering course, questioning whether completing the engineering course would hinder their chances of transferring.
  • Another participant suggests that it is reasonable to explore interests in both fields during the first year, indicating that plans can evolve.
  • A participant shares their experience with transferring to a physics honors degree, noting that admissions staff indicated it might not be an issue, although they may need to enter at a different year due to background differences.
  • There is a discussion about the similarities between electronics and chemistry, particularly regarding the mathematics and physics involved in both fields.
  • Questions arise about the transfer process, including how eligibility is determined based on physics background and whether tests are required or if course content suffices.
  • Another participant mentions their own experience of transferring into a degree program based on prior qualifications and the lack of testing requirements for transfer students.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that pursuing interests in both engineering and chemistry is valid, but there is no consensus on the best course of action regarding the transfer process or the impact of completing the engineering course on future opportunities in chemistry.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the specific requirements for transferring between programs, including the evaluation of prior coursework and the potential need for additional assessments.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a transition between engineering and science disciplines, particularly those interested in chemistry and electronics, may find this discussion relevant.

DrFishNips
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I was accepted to an electronic engineering course as a mature but I only put that course on the list for the sake of putting a few courses down. The real course I want to get into is chemistry but I did a bad interview for that course and I got accepted into electronic engineering instead. The marks I got in the pre university science course I did this year meet the criteria for this chemistry course so it was purely the interview that messed me up.

I'm in Ireland btw. Is it likely that I can do the electronic engineering course for a year then transfer to chemistry or will taking this course work against me? I like electronics as well so I wouldn't mind doing that course for the year but I'm dead set on getting into a chemistry course. What should I do? Take the electronics course or not?
 
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If you are interested in chemistry then study chemistry. Especially if this is your first year, nobody should expect you to have your plans carved in stone.
 
gmax137 said:
If you are interested in chemistry then study chemistry. Especially if this is your first year, nobody should expect you to have your plans carved in stone.

I like them both but its chemistry I want to get into. Like I said though I got accepted into the electronic engineering course but not chemistry. I want to jump on the opportunity to do electronic engineering for the year but I don't want to lock myself out of chemistry. I do like the idea of doing electronic engineering they cover lots of physics in it which is my favorite field. I have until the 10th to accept but I am tempted to accept it now.
 
Have you talked to NUI Maynooth or Galway?

I am doing a non honours degree in electronics. I was on the phone last Friday to Maynooth about getting onto their physics honours degree ...the lady in the admissions office seemed to think it wouldn't be a issue transferring, I may just have to go into year 2 of a 3 year degree because I wouldn't have the same physics background, so I think you could be okay.

Sean
 
feely said:
Have you talked to NUI Maynooth or Galway?

I am doing a non honours degree in electronics. I was on the phone last Friday to Maynooth about getting onto their physics honours degree ...the lady in the admissions office seemed to think it wouldn't be a issue transferring, I may just have to go into year 2 of a 3 year degree because I wouldn't have the same physics background, so I think you could be okay.

Sean

No the only college I applied to was DCU because I assumed I'd get in no matter what. Nice one though. Electronics and physics aren't unsimilar fields but at the same time chemistry courses cover lots of the same maths and physics that engineering courses do so that's definitely a plus. I'm going to click the accept button. After a year of electronic engineering I mightn't even want to transfer to chemistry anymore.

BTW how many years have you done in your electronics course? How do they determine whether your physics background makes you eligible or not? Do they make you take a test or do they judge purely on what was covered in the course you did?
 
DrFishNips said:
BTW how many years have you done in your electronics course? How do they determine whether your physics background makes you eligible or not? Do they make you take a test or do they judge purely on what was covered in the course you did?

I am going into my final year of a 3 year degree in Dundalk. I got into year two because I have a HND in Electronics too.

I think they just look at the content of the two courses, but the impression I got was as long as your maths was enough, you'd be ok. I mean, usually the hardcore topics etc would not start until year two. No test has been mentioned to me, and I have not read about any.

Maynooth send me out a transfer entry application form. If you are looking to transfer across, you don't need to go through the CAO process.
 

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