Question about Aerospace Engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, particularly regarding the necessity of a background in Mechanical Engineering for success in Aerospace Engineering courses. Participants also explore the structure of Aerospace Engineering programs at various universities in Canada.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses the belief that a degree or knowledge in Mechanical Engineering is recommended for success in Aerospace Engineering, suggesting that Mechanical Engineering serves as a foundational discipline.
  • Another participant counters that while Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering are similar and share some courses, one is not necessarily based on the other.
  • A participant inquires about reputable Aerospace Engineering programs in Canada, specifically mentioning a program at the University of Toronto that includes two years of general engineering study followed by two years focused on Aerospace Engineering.
  • Another participant notes that the relationship between Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering varies by institution, with some colleges integrating the two disciplines closely while others keep them separate. They mention McGill University as having a well-regarded Aerospace Engineering program.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether a background in Mechanical Engineering is necessary for Aerospace Engineering, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding the foundational relationship between the two fields.

Contextual Notes

There are varying definitions and structures of Aerospace Engineering programs across different universities, which may influence the necessity of a Mechanical Engineering background.

LazyLlama
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Hi. I am becoming very interested in taking an Aerospace Engineering course at University in a couple of years. I am wondering if to be Knowledgeable and Successful in Aero-Eng, is a degree in, or at least some knowledge in Mechanical Engineering required or reccommended at least? I ask because from what I have read so far, Mechanical Engineering seems to be base of Aero-Eng, as in, you take Mechanical Engineering, and then expand into Aerospace Engineering. Is that true? Thanks.
 
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No, but they are very similar majors. You take some of the same courses but with different applications. One is not "based" of the other.
 
Thanks, that's what I was wanting to know. Regarding Schools, which Universities in Canada offer good Aerospace Engineering courses? This Course at U of T sparked my attention: http://www.prospective.engineering.utoronto.ca/skule/undergraduate/engsci.htm basically it's 2 years of general engineering study, then 2 years of your choice, I would choose Aero-Eng. Is that the kind of course I should be looking into?
 
The answer to your first question is "it depends". Aerospace engineering is but a discipline within mechanical engineering at some colleges, joined at the hip with mechanical (e.g., School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering) in some more, and a completely separate from mechanical at other colleges. As far as Canadian schools go, McGill has a very well-regarded aero program. I don't know about U of T.
 

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