Robotics: Mech or EE? UK Uni Decision

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the decision-making process for a prospective university student considering a degree in mechanical engineering (MechEng) versus electrical engineering (EE) with a focus on robotics, particularly in relation to prosthetics. The conversation explores the implications of each choice on future career opportunities and the ability to specialize in robotics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in mechanical engineering but is considering electrical engineering due to its relevance in robotics, particularly prosthetics.
  • Another participant notes that both mechanical and electrical engineering skills are essential in robotics, suggesting that the choice depends on whether one prefers to design mechanical or electrical components.
  • A third participant shares their experience in the robotics industry, indicating that both MechE and EE graduates are equally represented, with specific roles for each discipline.
  • The original poster mentions the urgency of their decision due to application deadlines and the challenges of switching courses later.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that both MechEng and EE are valuable for a career in robotics, but there is no consensus on which path is definitively better for specializing in robotics or prosthetics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects individual preferences and career aspirations, with no definitive resolution on the best educational path for entering the robotics field.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective university students interested in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or bioengineering may find this discussion relevant.

snkk197
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I'm hoping to start uni next Sept and am considering my options. I was keen to study mechanical engineering, but I did some reading about robotics, specifically to do with prosthetics, and it sounds amazing. It appeals particularly because med school was an option for me too at one point, but I decided I wasn't suited to hospitals and patients. But the desire to really make an impact in helping patients is still very strong. I have looked at Bioengineering courses and Medical Physics, but I want to keep my options open in Engineering, which is partly why MechEng is so attractive. Now I'm wondering whether EE would be more useful if I wanted to specialise in Robotics later. I think I would enjoy studying either EE or MechEng as a degree on their own. And from what I've been reading, the job opportunities and salaries for both are pretty even?

I should add, I'm applying to UK unis, so I have to decide pretty much now. The modules required in each first year course are so different, it would be difficult to switch later unless I retake the year. I'm applying as a mature student of 28 so I can't afford anymore restarts.

Thanks for any help!
 
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Both components are heavily needed within the field of robotics. Depends on if you want to design the mechanical or electrical aspects of it.

Either way, if you study MechE, you can take some elementary EE courses (Circuits, Digital Logic Design) or if you study EE, you can take some elementary MechE courses (Statics/Dynamics) as electives.

Since you want to work on prosthetics, it might be advantageous to get the MechE degree.
 
I worked for a large robotics company for a while, as a physicist working in an optical engineering capacity (designing advanced rotary encoders). Most of my coworkers had EE or ME backgrounds - the EE's worked on the electronics and controls, the ME's designed the structures. There were probably about as many from each discipline, with a few oddball applied physicists like me working on more advanced long-term R&D projects.
 
Thanks for the advice! I'll be applying to Mech by the end of the week. I've also ordered a Lego Mindstorms kit :)
 

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