Research of next generation battery need which enginnering course?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the appropriate engineering course selection for conducting research in next-generation battery technology. Participants explore the relevance of mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, as well as the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a standard undergraduate engineering curriculum may not provide sufficient preparation for battery research due to its multidisciplinary nature, which includes electrical engineering, material science, physics, and chemistry.
  • Another participant inquires specifically which of the three engineering courses (mechanical, electrical, chemical) would be the most beneficial for battery research, and considers the possibility of combining two disciplines.
  • One participant advocates for chemical engineering as the most relevant course for battery research, citing its connection to chemistry, physics, and material science, while also mentioning mechanical and electrical engineering as useful ancillary disciplines.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that the primary challenge in next-generation battery research lies in securing funding rather than the technical aspects of the research itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on which engineering discipline is most suitable for battery research, with no consensus reached. The discussion also highlights a broader concern regarding funding challenges in the field.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying assumptions about the necessary background for battery research and the interdisciplinary requirements that may not be fully addressed in a single engineering course.

kohalex9
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I really want to do research in battery after I finish my undergraduate engineering course. which engineering course should I choose so that I am well prepared to do research in battery? (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering) Thank you.
 
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kohalex9 said:
I really want to do research in battery after I finish my undergraduate engineering course. which engineering course should I choose so that I am well prepared to do research in battery? (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering) Thank you.

Hey kohalex9 and welcome to the forums.

I would hazard a guess that you will not learn enough for this kind of thing in one standard engineering undergraduate curriculum because this problem would not only consist of electrical/electronic engineering, but also of things involving material science as well as some pure physics and chemistry.

It might help if you find businesses working in this area as well as any graduate programs that specialize in this kind of thing because again you are not likely to be doing this straight after a normal undergraduate program path due to the scope involved which is going to be largely multi-disciplinary.
 
Thank you. I just wonder out of these 3 engineering course (mechanical eng, electrical eng, chemical eng), which one would prepare me THE MOST to do research in battery? or if I take 2 engineering course together like mechanical+chemical, does this option will be better?
 
Definitely chemical engineering, if you must do one of those engineering. Chemistry, physics, and material science are actually the most relevant in research, then mechanical eng. (especially thermodynamics) or electrical eng. would be ok ancillary disciplines that will have more relevance in manufacturing processes and end use applications. But remember, this is purely my semi-educated guess and personal opinion.
 
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Law and business. The biggest hurdles for next generation batteries is not the technical aspect of it, far from it. The biggest hurdle is getting funding for the researchers. The research itself is trivial compared to getting the funding =)
 

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