So can i become nuclear engineer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of becoming a nuclear engineer for a student who expresses concerns about their proficiency in physics and mathematics. Participants explore the necessary skills and knowledge required for the field, as well as the potential for improvement in mathematical abilities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the motivation to pursue engineering without a strong math background, suggesting a preference for those who enjoy the subject.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of diligence in math practice, sharing personal experiences of dedicating significant time to math homework.
  • Concerns are raised about the specific mathematical skills required for nuclear engineering, with references to advanced topics like reactor physics and differential equations.
  • A suggestion is made to seek advice from a career guidance forum for more tailored information regarding the path to becoming a nuclear engineer.
  • One participant asserts that reasonable proficiency in math and physics is necessary for engineering, recommending consideration of degrees in the humanities for those struggling with these subjects.
  • The original poster shares their academic results, indicating challenges in math courses and seeking feedback on their performance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of math and physics proficiency for becoming a nuclear engineer. While some emphasize the importance of these skills, others suggest that improvement is possible and that there are alternative paths if one struggles in these areas.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the varying perspectives on the importance of math skills in engineering, as well as the potential for students to improve their abilities over time. There is no consensus on the minimum level of proficiency required to succeed in nuclear engineering.

qwerty68
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Hi,
I'm a student at Vietnam National University, in the partnership program with the France and other country like Switzerland...( called Physique Corpusculaire et Applications ) I'm not a good student. My first year i got only 2.83 for semester 1 and 3.08 for semester 2. I'm not good at physics and math. So anyone can tell me, can i become nuclear engineer? Can a nuclear engineer is not good at physics and math?
Sory for my poor English, because i learn French and other subject in French all the time.
Thank you!
 
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Why would you want to become and engineer if you aren't good at math? (Unless you still like it)
 
Drakkith said:
Why would you want to become and engineer if you aren't good at math? (Unless you still like it)
You know, I'm not good at math because my IQ is low. So anyone know, that the nuclear engineer can work without the pro skill in math( calucus, algebra) I have finish my freshman year and i will in sophomore year in September. Any way to increase my math skill?
Thank you.
 
Practice practice practice!
 
Drakkith said:
Practice practice practice!

What kind of math that the nuclear engineer must have? You know, i'am not smart.
 
qwerty68 said:
What kind of math that the nuclear engineer must have? You know, i'am not smart.

Try asking in the career guidance forum, they might be able to help you there. I really don't know all the details other than that you obviously need to know basic physics.
 
Drakkith said:
Try asking in the career guidance forum, they might be able to help you there. I really don't know all the details other than that you obviously need to know basic physics.

Thank.
 
"Any way to increase my math skill?
Thank you."

diligence. keep up with your math homework. work every problem assigned and the others that look interesting. I too am "math challenged" and in college spent 3 hours every night working my math. other courses had to take back seat.
if i took care of math homework everything else seemed easy.

Do not get behind in math homework it is ten times harder to catch up than keep up.

you'll find the reactor physics course a little math intense because it involve fields.
but i managed to get through it so you can too. buckling is buckling, stress in a beam or neutrons in a reactor it's the same equations.if it is your goal to do to work in nuclear power you might consider either mechanical or electrical engineering too. A power plant is a gigantic steam engine with a simple reactor for a heat source. The nuclear part of the reactor works great, it was invented by geniuses and needs little attention. The majority of plant work is in keeping all the pumps, motors, pipes and instruments in good repair. Typically a plant has only a few nuclear engineers but scores of electricals and mechanicals.
In my career the courses that helped most were three phase power, electric machinery, electronic circuits, statics, and reactor operation. Of course freshman physics and math through diffy-Q.
 
At my school, we go to Partial Differential Equations and up to Nuclear Physics on a pure side. We learn reactor physics and thermal hydaulics and others that aren't reactor focused. (Your standard radiological side of nuclear.)
 
  • #10
qwerty68 said:
Hi,
I'm a student at Vietnam National University, in the partnership program with the France and other country like Switzerland...( called Physique Corpusculaire et Applications ) I'm not a good student. My first year i got only 2.83 for semester 1 and 3.08 for semester 2. I'm not good at physics and math. So anyone can tell me, can i become nuclear engineer? Can a nuclear engineer is not good at physics and math?
Sory for my poor English, because i learn French and other subject in French all the time.
Thank you!
One must be reasonable proficient in math and physics in order to be an engineer. If one is not good in math, then I'd recommend a degree in the humanities, e.g., public policy.
 
  • #11
Ok, thank everyone. Here are my result in freshman year:
Semester 1:
Internship General Physics: 9/10
French A1: 9.3/10
Mechanics 1: 6.7/10 :(
Algebra: 6.6/10:(
Calculus1: 6.8/10:(
Semester 2:
French A2: 9.5/10
CS1: 9.6/10
Thermodynamics and molecular physics: 7.9/10
Calculus 2: 6.8/10 :(

So it is the end of math general in my university. Next year i have to learn advance math and numerical...

Is it ok for the freshman year?
 
Last edited:

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