Mechanical engineering, mathematics, master of science?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations of a mechanical engineering student contemplating further studies in applied mathematics or a second degree in mathematics or physics. The focus includes concerns about mathematical preparedness, academic aspirations, and long-term career planning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their suitability for engineering work and a desire to pursue an academic career in applied mathematics, citing a weak mathematics background.
  • Another participant encourages self-reflection on long-term career goals rather than short-term decisions.
  • Several participants question how a mechanical engineering student could have a weak math background, suggesting that the degree is typically math-intensive.
  • One participant recalls a previous consensus that mechanical engineering involves substantial mathematics, including vector calculus.
  • Another participant notes that despite achieving high grades, the original poster feels they lack a concrete understanding of the mathematics learned.
  • One reply suggests that the original poster's engineering background should facilitate pursuing an applied mathematics degree, and encourages self-study in areas of perceived weakness.
  • Questions are raised regarding the specific areas where the original poster feels weak in mathematics and whether they have an interest in physics as well.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on the adequacy of the original poster's mathematical background for pursuing further studies. Some assert that a mechanical engineering degree provides sufficient math training, while others acknowledge the original poster's feelings of inadequacy.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the curriculum in the original poster's country may influence their perception of their mathematical abilities. The discussion also reflects varying definitions of what constitutes a strong math background.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering further studies in mathematics or related fields, particularly those with engineering backgrounds who feel uncertain about their mathematical preparedness.

hanson
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I will be having my final year study in mechanical engineering.
Now, I am considering what to do...
I believe that both my characters and ability are not quite suitable to work outside as an engineer.
I think I am a somewhat theoretically inclined person, so I have identified pursuing an academic career as my aspiration before.
What I would like to do is more like applied mathematics...
But I will say my university education does not provide me with a solid background in mathematics. And I am definitely not those clever math genuis that have special insights into math...
So, I am wondering what I shall do...
I will say I have a rather weak math background now...
I am therefore conidering whether to do a second degree in math or phy...but that means I am going to spend 3 more years as an undergraduate student and a large sum of money...
I am also considering to do a master of science in applied mathematic in my country. But provided my weak mathematics background, I am not sure if it is a good idea to do so...
I am quite confused and hope to listen to others' words.
 
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You are not the only person who started out with a plan of what you wanted to do, and then discovered you made a mistake. It's much better to realize that and do something about it, rather than just drift into something that you don't want to do, or that you are not good at doing.

You need to think big about this. Ask yourself what you really want to do for the next 50 years of your life, not the next 3 or 4 years. Then make a plan to achieve what you want. The only person who can answer that big question is you.
 
hanson,

If your a ME, how do you have a weak math background? To be an ME I thought it was very math intensive, they would have to as much math as an aerospace engineering and just as much physics.
 
I remember in a mechanical engineering thread a while back, the consensus was that there is a lot of mathematics involved in that specific degree. I thought it extended atleast into vector calculus, which gives you a pretty strong background to work with.
 
Yah my friend is a ME, they take just as much math as any ENgineering major, up to Differential Equations
 
Um...well...I do feel that the math I learn is not concrete enough.
Perhaps it is to deal with the curriculum here in my country. I do learn vector calculas for sure and complex vairables etc...
But, I just feel that I do not really grasp the stuff well though I score all A+ in these courses...
 
Well, I am not sure what to tell you if you get all A+ in the courses and have an engineering background in mathematics. It seems like you would have no problems getting your Applied Mathematics degree and it seems like a majority of your engineering degree would count towards your mathematics degree. If you feel that your not as strong as you would like, grab a few textbooks in whichever area and work through them. You seem like you understand mathematics well enough to work through some higher level undergraduate stuff in your own without much trouble.

What areas are you 'weak' in or 'feel weak' in?

I am doing a double-major in physics and mathematics and most of my courses count towards both, which should apply to you as well. Are you interested in physics as well, or just mathematics?

Perhaps there is an issue I am not grasping? What country are you in/from?
 
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