Is it hard to transfer from engineering to science?

In summary, the individual was accepted into an electronic engineering course but their true desire is to study chemistry. They did not perform well in the interview for the chemistry course and were offered a spot in electronic engineering instead. They are contemplating whether to accept the offer and transfer to chemistry later or to decline and pursue their original goal of studying chemistry. The individual has spoken to other universities about transferring and it seems like it would be possible to transfer after completing a year of electronic engineering. They have until the 10th to make a decision and are leaning towards accepting the electronic engineering offer. They also discussed the similarities between electronics and physics, and the possibility of transferring to a physics honors degree in the future. They have completed two years of an electronics degree
  • #1
DrFishNips
7
0
I was accepted to an electronic engineering course as a mature but I only put that course on the list for the sake of putting a few courses down. The real course I want to get into is chemistry but I did a bad interview for that course and I got accepted into electronic engineering instead. The marks I got in the pre university science course I did this year meet the criteria for this chemistry course so it was purely the interview that messed me up.

I'm in Ireland btw. Is it likely that I can do the electronic engineering course for a year then transfer to chemistry or will taking this course work against me? I like electronics as well so I wouldn't mind doing that course for the year but I'm dead set on getting into a chemistry course. What should I do? Take the electronics course or not?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If you are interested in chemistry then study chemistry. Especially if this is your first year, nobody should expect you to have your plans carved in stone.
 
  • #3
gmax137 said:
If you are interested in chemistry then study chemistry. Especially if this is your first year, nobody should expect you to have your plans carved in stone.

I like them both but its chemistry I want to get into. Like I said though I got accepted into the electronic engineering course but not chemistry. I want to jump on the opportunity to do electronic engineering for the year but I don't want to lock myself out of chemistry. I do like the idea of doing electronic engineering they cover lots of physics in it which is my favorite field. I have until the 10th to accept but I am tempted to accept it now.
 
  • #4
Have you talked to NUI Maynooth or Galway?

I am doing a non honours degree in electronics. I was on the phone last Friday to Maynooth about getting onto their physics honours degree ...the lady in the admissions office seemed to think it wouldn't be a issue transferring, I may just have to go into year 2 of a 3 year degree because I wouldn't have the same physics background, so I think you could be okay.

Sean
 
  • #5
feely said:
Have you talked to NUI Maynooth or Galway?

I am doing a non honours degree in electronics. I was on the phone last Friday to Maynooth about getting onto their physics honours degree ...the lady in the admissions office seemed to think it wouldn't be a issue transferring, I may just have to go into year 2 of a 3 year degree because I wouldn't have the same physics background, so I think you could be okay.

Sean

No the only college I applied to was DCU because I assumed I'd get in no matter what. Nice one though. Electronics and physics aren't unsimilar fields but at the same time chemistry courses cover lots of the same maths and physics that engineering courses do so that's definitely a plus. I'm going to click the accept button. After a year of electronic engineering I mightn't even want to transfer to chemistry anymore.

BTW how many years have you done in your electronics course? How do they determine whether your physics background makes you eligible or not? Do they make you take a test or do they judge purely on what was covered in the course you did?
 
  • #6
DrFishNips said:
BTW how many years have you done in your electronics course? How do they determine whether your physics background makes you eligible or not? Do they make you take a test or do they judge purely on what was covered in the course you did?

I am going into my final year of a 3 year degree in Dundalk. I got into year two because I have a HND in Electronics too.

I think they just look at the content of the two courses, but the impression I got was as long as your maths was enough, you'd be ok. I mean, usually the hardcore topics etc would not start until year two. No test has been mentioned to me, and I have not read about any.

Maynooth send me out a transfer entry application form. If you are looking to transfer across, you don't need to go through the CAO process.
 

FAQ: Is it hard to transfer from engineering to science?

Is there a significant difference between engineering and science?

Yes, there is a significant difference between engineering and science. Engineering is the application of scientific principles to design and build practical solutions to real-world problems, while science is the systematic study of the natural world and its phenomena. While there is some overlap between the two fields, engineering tends to be more focused on practical applications and solving specific problems, while science is more theoretical and focused on understanding the fundamental principles of the natural world.

Can I transfer from engineering to science without having a background in science?

It may be challenging to transfer from engineering to science without a background in science, as many science programs require a strong foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort to catch up on any missing prerequisites, it is possible to make the transition successfully.

Will my engineering courses count towards a science degree?

It depends on the specific courses and the requirements of the science program you are transferring to. Some engineering courses may count as electives or fulfill certain requirements, but others may not be directly applicable to a science degree. It is best to consult with an academic advisor to determine how your engineering courses will transfer.

What skills from engineering are transferable to a science career?

Engineering and science both require strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a solid foundation in mathematics and the ability to think critically. Additionally, engineering teaches valuable skills such as project management, data analysis, and technical writing, which can be beneficial in a science career.

Are there any advantages to transferring from engineering to science?

Transferring from engineering to science can offer several advantages, such as gaining a more theoretical understanding of scientific principles and conducting research in a specific field of interest. Additionally, a background in engineering can provide a unique perspective and skill set that can be valuable in scientific research and development.

Similar threads

Physics Research as Electrical Engineer
Replies
2
Views
1K
Programs General Engineering/Chemistry/Biosciences/Physics - what to choose?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Deciding between Physics or Engineering after a very turbulent year
Replies
23
Views
981
Is a nuclear engineering minor worth an extra semester?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Schools Calculus vs Calculus for Engineers (The community college only has the former)
Replies
16
Views
4K
Other Wind Tunnel Research at a Community College
Replies
2
Views
1K
Studying Should I take up electrical engineering or computer science?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Programs Change of Major from Mechanical Engineering to Material Science
Replies
8
Views
2K
Programs From a Nuclear Engineering BS, will I be able to do MS & PhD in Physics?
Replies
6
Views
1K
Other Can I (with a math major) do a masters in theoretical physics?
Replies
16
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top