Engineering question!

[Row]

Hey guys, not sure if this is the right place to post this? But here it goes!
I am planning on studying Mechanical engineering next year and have applied at a few institutions. However, I am worried that I will struggle with the workload, I did not do so well in my AS level maths or physics. (I did cambridge) This is not because I struggle with the subjects at all, but in my final year I had no form of tutoring (Home schooled) at all and spent most of my time working in my families pub. They were understaffed and extremely busy with the world cup!
I have however spent the last 2 years working in the industry and have gained lots of experience, I already have experience with solidworks, have done a few small designs for the company and reverse engineered a couple of basic parts. I am also busy designing my own go kart!
I am extremely passionate about engineering and am willing to put in a large workload to get to where I need to be. Do you guys think I can manage or should I take a more basic course in maths and physics first to catch up? College for example?
Cheers

 

[ponder]

Your math & science stuff will be recapped at the beginning of the first semester if that is of any help.

 

[Skerminkel]

What qualification - degree, diploma or certificate?

 

[Row]

Planning on a degree!

 

[R13...]

You should be fine. Just don't go back to working in the pub. And I'm not sure about that recap of math and science, we had to hit the ground running.

 

[Row]

No, definitely not going back there! I have also already ordered a book to recap so long, should be here in 3 weeks and hoping to have it done by January next year. Engineering mathematics by John bird? Not the most advanced stuff, but should hopefully help!

 

[GreyBush]

You should be fine. Just don't go back to working in the pub. And I'm not sure about that recap of math and science, we had to hit the ground running.

+1 I don't remember a re-cap, and a degree is a full time commitment.

 

[Skerminkel]

Planning on a degree!

The courses at the recognised universities in SA build on the Gr 12 maths. You should be at a 80% or so maths level. If your school results are at that level, but you are a bit rusted, a refresher course (or just some self-study) should be adequate. If not, I suggest you discuss it with the university of your choice and get their guidance.

As ponder said, they do go through it, but they spend about a week to cover high school mathematics and the up the pace from there.

Your hands-on experience will help you with practical thinking and visualising problems, but unfortunately not much else. Your first two years of a degree course in mathematics is pretty much all science (mathematics, physics, some chemistry, applied maths, computer programming, etc.) Only from your third year do you get to the "practical" stuff, but remember that engineers do not do any welding or drafting, apart from some exposure to make you familiar with the work that artisans and technicians do.

Re-reading your original question, I think that it is a very good idea to spend a year at a good college. If you struggle with the basic sciences, you will loose the year during your course anyway. Rather invest in a good base and complete your engineering studies more productively.

 

[Row]

I completely understand the fact that its a full time commitment! I'm just worried about whether or not I will be able to play catch up in time to pass the first year exams? Especially considering I have not done much math in 2 years?

 

[Row]

The courses at the recognised universities in SA build on the Gr 12 maths. You should be at a 80% or so maths level. If your school results are at that level, but you are a bit rusted, a refresher course (or just some self-study) should be adequate. If not, I suggest you discuss it with the university of your choice and get their guidance.

As ponder said, they do go through it, but they spend about a week to cover high school mathematics and the up the pace from there.

Your hands-on experience will help you with practical thinking and visualising problems, but unfortunately not much else. Your first two years of a degree course in mathematics is pretty much all science (mathematics, physics, some chemistry, applied maths, computer programming, etc.) Only from your third year do you get to the "practical" stuff, but remember that engineers do not do any welding or drafting, apart from some exposure to make you familiar with the work that artisans and technicians do.

Re-reading your original question, I think that it is a very good idea to spend a year at a good college. If you struggle with the basic sciences, you will loose the year during your course anyway. Rather invest in a good base and complete your engineering studies more productively.

Thanks, I think what I might do is ask them for interview and see if I can get some advice from one of the lecturers at the university.

 

[Skerminkel]

I completely understand the fact that its a full time commitment! I'm just worried about whether or not I will be able to play catch up in time to pass the first year exams? Especially considering I have not done much math in 2 years?

Unfortunately there will be no time to catch up. You have to hit the ground running.

Thanks, I think what I might do is ask them for interview and see if I can get some advice from one of the lecturers at the university.

They should also have a guidance service specifically to advise prospective students.

 

[froot]

+1 I don't remember a re-cap, and a degree is a full time commitment.

+1 on this.

We "recapped" Matric Maths in like 1 period.
There is no real time to do anything [properly] else while doing Engineering full-time.

 

[Row]

Unfortunately there will be no time to catch up. You have to hit the ground running.

Not even with massive effort after lectures etc? Everyday? Kind of revise old stuff and go through the new stuff at the same time?

 

[GreyBush]

Not even with massive effort after lectures etc? Everyday? Kind of revise old stuff and go through the new stuff at the same time?

If you're smart enough to make it into engineering and you study hard you will pass... It's worth it in the end, its a very rewarding job.

 

[Skerminkel]

Not even with massive effort after lectures etc? Everyday? Kind of revise old stuff and go through the new stuff at the same time?

Anything is possible, but you have to know yourself by now. If you were very good at maths and science at school (85% +) and you can graft for 4-5 additional hours per day (that's after class, in the evening), you will make it.

You do have 6 months before class starts end January, so go for it. If you cannot revise high school maths and physics by working 3 hours a day, an engineering degree will be beyond you anyway.

Good luck!

 

[manbearpig]

It's not about being rusty, it's about how well you did in school. You will redo physics in applied mathematics, chemistry in engineering chemistry, and the more advanced mathematics in engineering mathematics.

I'm about 99% sure you will pass if you work your ass off. What I mean by this is that you go to class from 8-5 and then work from 6pm to about 11pm.

This is pretty much your life for the next four years. Sometimes you will work right through the night to hand in papers at 8am (and barely make it in time).

If you are lucky you can watch a rugby game every now and then on a weekend.