Should I do this subject or not? [Australia]

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In summary, the speaker is considering taking the subject Systems Engineering in their second last year of high school/college. The subject is a combination of basic mechanical engineering and practical work, with a heavy emphasis on a self-designed project. The speaker plans to build a series of automotive modules and demonstrate their application in a real-life car, but is concerned about using pre-made kits and not being credited for their own design skills. They are seeking advice from others who have taken the subject in the past.
  • #1
Tommei
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Hi everyone,

Ive joined physics forums because I am going to make a very important decision that can potentially affect the paths of my life.

I am currently studying in Victoria, Australia as a VCE student in year 11. I am not sure what the equivalent in the USA is but its the second last year in high school/college where you have to compete to quality for your specified university.

I am trying to decide whether I should undertake the subject Systems Engineering next year... For fellow countrymen, you should be familiar with what this subject is. It is basiclly a subject of basic mechanical engineering combined with practical work such as building systems containing mechanicals and circuit boards.

Apparently, next year's whole year assessment in Systems Engineering is 70% based on your practical work/your folio, 30% end of year exam.

The problem I have is, the practical work is free reign...You choose what type of system you want to build; whether it be a robot, catapult, speaker system, etc. The teacher will assess this and score you. A detailed folio of the project must be produced to compliment it.

The thing is, depending on what youre making, if the teacher is not exactly satisfied that its a system you wholeheartedly created, you could get marked down, so I wouldn't consider the subject very fair from school to school.

I plan to do something not too hard, not too easy. I want to build a series of automotive modules/gadgets (probably 5 or more individual modules) and line them up in a plexiglass box (like how circuit boards are mounted in an amplifier), install and wire them up to the car, then make a video (that will be part of my folio) demonstrating how my gadgets are being applied to a real life car. Heres some examples of potential kits I might construct; http://autospeed.com/cms/A_0828/article.html

The potential problem with this is, the kits are pre packed in loose pieces and you can buy them at electronic component stores, you have to solder, connect etc. I am afraid this might be used against me to lower my study score, since I might be accused of using a 3rd party's system design and I did not design the system myself.

Anyone with experience with this subject in year 12, please inform me of your experience and what you built back in school.

Regards, Tommy
 
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  • #2
I think you should get some advice from your teacher about what is OK, before you spend a lot of time thinking about the details of your project. The more time you spend "living with it", even if you haven't "officially" started the project work, the harder it will be to change to something else if you need to.

Obviously if you are doing a design-and-build project, nobody will expect you to make every mechanical part yourself, let alone the electrical/electronic components. But "building a kit" probably doesn't demonstrate any design skills in itself. That would only come from how you used the kit in your complete project - for example modifying it to do something different from what it was originally meant to do.
 

FAQ: Should I do this subject or not? [Australia]

1. Should I choose a subject based on my interests or job prospects?

It is important to consider both your interests and job prospects when choosing a subject. While it is important to pursue a subject that you enjoy, it is also beneficial to choose a subject that aligns with your career goals and has good job prospects in the future.

2. What are the prerequisites for this subject?

Before deciding on a subject, it is important to research the prerequisites that are required. This may include specific courses or grades from previous subjects. Make sure you meet all the requirements before enrolling in the subject to avoid any delays in your academic progress.

3. How challenging is this subject?

The level of difficulty of a subject can vary depending on your strengths and weaknesses. It is important to research the subject and its syllabus to understand the level of difficulty and whether it aligns with your academic abilities. Additionally, you can also reach out to students who have previously taken the subject for their insights.

4. What are the future career prospects for this subject?

It is important to think about the future career prospects for the subject you are considering. Research the job market and demand for professionals in this field. You can also speak to academic advisors or professionals in the field to get a better understanding of the potential career paths and opportunities available.

5. How will this subject contribute to my overall academic goals?

When deciding on a subject, it is important to think about how it will contribute to your overall academic goals. Consider whether it is a required subject for your degree or if it aligns with your academic interests and career goals. It is also beneficial to think about how this subject will complement your other courses and contribute to a well-rounded education.

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