- #1
lirkepirk
- 17
- 1
Hello! I am currently doing my first year in a mechanical engineering degree(which after a few years branches off to applied mechanics), which is a 5 year integrated master's. Since before i applied, I have been uncertain about which study I really want to/should do, and that uncertainty still persist. I think it's a good idea to get some new perspectives on this.
The problem is mainly between doing a degree in applied mechanics(AM) or engineering physics(EP). At high school I was very interested in physics-related problems, and I did really well in the subject. Therefore I wanted to continue in a similar direction. I narrowed it down to engineering physics and applied mechanics, and finally chose to aim for applied mechanics.
The reasons behind this are that:
- I have the impression that EP graduates often end up in fields unrelated to their degree, such as IT or finance.
- It seems like AM gives a good backround for doing a p.hd, at something that is fairly fundamental, while still being relevant in industry.
I could see me pursuing a p.hd. after my masters. Questions like: how does bubbles pop, how does fish swim sound interesting. I also really enjoyed learning some wind turbine theory. As it is the only part of physics I feel I have some insight into, I kind of like the details of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and mechanics as it gives some insight into systems one take for granted until one starts to study them. The thing is that I wonder if EP provides a better backround for specializing in such fields? And even if it does not, what are the big questions in applied mechanics today? What is left to learn? I currently only know that turbulence is is the "last unsolved mystery" of classical mechanics. I have also heard that a degree in AM gives lasting and relevant knowledge to solve the problems of tomorrow. I just wonder how that is, when there is computer software that seem to be able to solve any problems within mechanics today.
So, as there are very few threads on AM, could someone share their opinion on this degree and what career it may lead to?
It got a bit long, but I really appreciate any feedback! :)
The problem is mainly between doing a degree in applied mechanics(AM) or engineering physics(EP). At high school I was very interested in physics-related problems, and I did really well in the subject. Therefore I wanted to continue in a similar direction. I narrowed it down to engineering physics and applied mechanics, and finally chose to aim for applied mechanics.
The reasons behind this are that:
- I have the impression that EP graduates often end up in fields unrelated to their degree, such as IT or finance.
- It seems like AM gives a good backround for doing a p.hd, at something that is fairly fundamental, while still being relevant in industry.
I could see me pursuing a p.hd. after my masters. Questions like: how does bubbles pop, how does fish swim sound interesting. I also really enjoyed learning some wind turbine theory. As it is the only part of physics I feel I have some insight into, I kind of like the details of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and mechanics as it gives some insight into systems one take for granted until one starts to study them. The thing is that I wonder if EP provides a better backround for specializing in such fields? And even if it does not, what are the big questions in applied mechanics today? What is left to learn? I currently only know that turbulence is is the "last unsolved mystery" of classical mechanics. I have also heard that a degree in AM gives lasting and relevant knowledge to solve the problems of tomorrow. I just wonder how that is, when there is computer software that seem to be able to solve any problems within mechanics today.
So, as there are very few threads on AM, could someone share their opinion on this degree and what career it may lead to?
It got a bit long, but I really appreciate any feedback! :)