Mathematics to Mechanical Engineering

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a mathematics graduate seeking to transition into mechanical engineering, specifically in propulsion systems for the space industry. The individual has excelled academically but lacks a physics background and is considering a break from studies to pursue a career in the RAF. They inquire about the feasibility of obtaining a scholarship for a mechanical engineering program after a gap in education and a shift in career focus. The consensus suggests that pursuing Mathematical Modelling could be beneficial, as it aligns with their mathematical expertise and is a pathway taken by others in the field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Mechanical Engineering principles
  • Familiarity with Mathematical Modelling techniques
  • Knowledge of scholarship application processes
  • Basic concepts of propulsion systems in aerospace engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research scholarship opportunities for mechanical engineering programs in the United States
  • Explore foundational courses in physics and statistics relevant to mechanical engineering
  • Investigate Mathematical Modelling courses and their applications in engineering
  • Look into career paths in the RAF and their educational requirements
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mathematics graduates considering a career shift to mechanical engineering, individuals interested in aerospace applications, and those seeking scholarships for further studies in engineering disciplines.

Alexrey
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Hey guys,

I know a topic similar to this has already been talked about, but my case is a little different. I am a maths graduate currently doing my honours year in maths. Just a quick rundown of what this means: Where I live a basic graduate degree entails 3 years of full-time study where a 4th year, known as your "honours" year, is slotted in after your graduate year and before your masters year. Anyway, I graduated top of my class in maths and the way things are going this year should see me at the top of my honours class as well. My main focus has been on pure maths with some applied courses thrown in, but what I'm really interested in is working in the space industry once my studies are complete, as the idea of permanent human expansion into space fascinates me, and with the recent surge in commercial projects coming to life I believe this would be an awesome career path to take. As such I believe a degree in mechanical engineering with a specialization in something like propulsion systems would be a good choice (please correct me if I'm wrong!). Of course with my pure maths background it'll be impossible to go straight to a masters in ME (plus I didn't do any physics after my first year or stats in my undergrad years). I realize that I will most likely have to go back a few years and do a bit of a catch-up which doesn't bother me. What does bother me is the following: I would like to take a break from studies next year and see if I can pursue a career in the RAF. If this does not work out then I am looking to get a scholarship to study in the United States. So my questions are the following:

1) I'm hoping to be able to get a scholarship to a reasonably good university (not necessarily the best, just a respected institution). Would any uni give a scholarship to someone like me who has, (a) spent possibly 1 to 2 years out of the study environment, (b) decided to change their career choice from mathematics to mechanical engineering where I would need to play catch-up for a few years to get the ME class requirements under my belt?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks guys!
 
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Your best choice would be Mathematical Modelling (I'm assuming you did a few math model classes during your undergrad). I have 2 Mech. teachers that did that.
 

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