Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on mechatronics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential transition from a mechanical engineering degree to a focus on mechatronics, particularly in the context of career opportunities and the relevance of programming skills in various engineering fields. Participants explore the implications of such a change and the integration of programming within mechanical engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in mechatronics after starting programming classes and contemplates whether to switch from mechanical engineering to mechatronics.
  • Another participant suggests that understanding local job markets is crucial before making a decision about changing fields, noting that supply and demand in engineering can vary by location.
  • A participant questions if there are areas within mechanical engineering where programming skills are beneficial, seeking specific examples.
  • Another response indicates that fields involving computational tasks, such as numerical modeling, typically require programming skills regularly.
  • One participant argues that while mechatronics involves computation, it is more focused on logic, electronic controls, and dynamics, suggesting a distinction between computing and mechatronics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between mechanical engineering and programming, with some emphasizing the relevance of programming in certain mechanical fields, while others highlight a perceived disconnect between computing and mechatronics.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on whether switching to mechatronics is advisable or on the specific areas within mechanical engineering where programming is most applicable. The discussion reflects varying perspectives on the integration of programming skills in engineering disciplines.

vinicius0197
Messages
54
Reaction score
7
Hey guys. I'm graduating in mechanical engineering at a university in Brazil. I'm currently on my second semester.
I've started running after a mechanical engineering degree mostly because I've got a strong interest in the field of aircraft engineering, and my initial plan was to graduate in mechanical engineering and then specialize myself in aerospace engineering.
But so, I have just started taking classes on computer programmation this month and I quickly developed a huge interest in the area. I've found out that maybe the area of mechatronics will be better suited for me, and yet, I don't find myself secure enough to change course. I really don't know if this is the better idea, and I've been thinking about finishing my degree at mechanics and then get a specialization (like a master's degree) in some field related to mechatronics, where I could use programmation and other stuff that attracts me in this area. Would this be a good idea? What do you guys think?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Job markets tend to be local, so if your question is "will the change help me get a job" you should talk with faculty and engineers more familiar with your local job markets.

Supply is not meeting demand in most areas of engineering, but it is a good idea to conform local demand before switching areas.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vinicius0197
Ok, but there are any fields in mechanical engineering where programming skills would be really useful on a daily basis?
 
vinicius0197 said:
Ok, but there are any fields in mechanical engineering where programming skills would be really useful on a daily basis?

Most fields that are computationally intensive (numerical modeling) require programming skills on a daily or weekly basis.

There are also jobs that are test and measurement intensive where some programming is often involved to reconfigure the test system for the current experiments.
 
I don't see any close connection between computing and mechatronics. Yes, mechatronics uses computation, but it uses a lot more logic, electronic controls, and dynamics, as I see it.
 

Similar threads

Shifting from Mechanical Engineer to Aerospace Engineer
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Engineering Mechanical Engineer looking for Career Advice
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Engineering Trouble with choosing how to shape my engineering career
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Job Skills What next for manual gearbox design engineers?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Engineering Mechatronics or Thermal and Fluids for specialization?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Engineering Mechanical engineering or computer systems engineering
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Engineering I’m trying to decide between 2 engineering careers. Any help?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Engineering From Mechatronics To Electronics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
MechE undergrad who also enjoys programming and eletronics?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Engineering Specialization in Electrical Engineering - Looking for Direction
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K