- #1
CherryTrooper
- 5
- 0
Hi, new to the forums. Sophomore in college, Nuclear Engineer in training.
Nuclear Engineering seemed tempting for a few reasons: Engineering = $$ and Nuclear, well I love nuclear physics and chemistry so why not! Now what I found out:
What nuclear engineering is NOT: Quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, nuclear chemistry, applied quantum physics, etc etc etc.
What nuclear engineering IS: reactor mechanics, reactor physics, mechanical engineering, radioactive materials interaction with matter, applied fission to reactors, etc, etc.
bottom line: Nuclear engineering is applying current concepts to current engineering feats.
What I wanted: Learning current concepts in order to theorize and experiment on brand new concepts.
So I think I should switch to physics where within the track, there are classes on applied quantum mechanics, nuclear physics. I think I was mislead about Nuke E and honestly, it has almost nothing to do with physics besides physics being a back drop for it (like it is for all engineering). My only struggle is relinquishing an ABET accredited engineering degree opportunity. Should I switch? I know it's early on-- so does it get better? I want to switch because I know I'm interested in physics and not nuke, but I don't know if I'm just being hopeful again. I already have a job (Army) so that's not really an issue til another 10 years down the road, depending.
Nuclear Engineering seemed tempting for a few reasons: Engineering = $$ and Nuclear, well I love nuclear physics and chemistry so why not! Now what I found out:
What nuclear engineering is NOT: Quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, nuclear chemistry, applied quantum physics, etc etc etc.
What nuclear engineering IS: reactor mechanics, reactor physics, mechanical engineering, radioactive materials interaction with matter, applied fission to reactors, etc, etc.
bottom line: Nuclear engineering is applying current concepts to current engineering feats.
What I wanted: Learning current concepts in order to theorize and experiment on brand new concepts.
So I think I should switch to physics where within the track, there are classes on applied quantum mechanics, nuclear physics. I think I was mislead about Nuke E and honestly, it has almost nothing to do with physics besides physics being a back drop for it (like it is for all engineering). My only struggle is relinquishing an ABET accredited engineering degree opportunity. Should I switch? I know it's early on-- so does it get better? I want to switch because I know I'm interested in physics and not nuke, but I don't know if I'm just being hopeful again. I already have a job (Army) so that's not really an issue til another 10 years down the road, depending.