Author: Mohamed Nawfal (article originally taken from uniclues.com)
Course: xxx
Engineering involves finding economical and efficient solutions to technical problems we face, using the principles of science and mathematics. Engineers also play a huge role in the development of technology and are pivotal to the production and maintenance of our systems.
If you are unsure as to which engineering track to specialise in or if your grades aren’t good enough, taking Common Engineering might be the best option. The first-year Common Engineering course would allow you more time to decide which area of engineering you want to focus on while providing you with a broad education on engineering fundamentals. This also enables you to make an informed choice about the area in which to specialise from Year 2. In the table above, you can see the requirements for the various engineering tracks.
My interest in engineering first sparked when my friend exposed me to computer engineering, who spurred me on to do some research on the topic. Through research, I came to a realisation that it is a growing industry. I also have a cousin who recently graduated from computer science who told me more about the subject. In the end, I chose to specialise in computer engineering as computer science seemed too demanding for me. However, I did not manage to get the required grades for my A levels and hence opted to do common engineering with the intention of specialising in computer engineering at the end of Year 1.
Apart from engineering, I was also considering a degree in mathematics or science but eventually decided against them because those subjects were heavily theory-based whereas I was more inclined to do something hands-on and applicable in our everyday lives. Hence, engineering was the logical choice for me.
The key difference between computer science and computer engineering is that the former focuses on software, while the latter is more about the hardware. Computer science is based on mathematics and logic. The practitioner in computer science is concerned with the algorithms and software code that allows a machine to complete a calculation, transaction or task. Computer engineering, on the other hand, deals with how hardware computing systems and software may be used to create technology solutions for business, consumer products and large-scale systems.
“Simply put, computer scientists come up with programmes for machines and electrical components whereas computer engineers use these programmes and algorithms to instruct the said equipment.”
For example, for the robot project we are working on, we use a software called Arduino to code out instructions for microprocessors, which are the “brains” of the robot. In this case, computer scientists are the ones who build software like Arduino. They work on the software, language systems and the interface for such programmes.
At that time, for some unknown reason, I didn’t apply for common engineering at NTU. However, I applied for Material Science Engineering and was offered a spot as well. I did not know if MSE was something I wanted to do and was more inclined to do common engineering as it would allow me to explore other areas of engineering. Hence, I chose NUS. With that said, I don’t think I’d have picked NTU anyway because it’s really far.
If you are someone who is considering between NUS and NTU, talk to people from the course you are applying to but from different schools. I’ve heard from friends that the way of teaching is different at NUS and NTU. For example, NTU doesn’t have principal mods, which teach the fundamentals for the engineering subject you are taking, whereas NUS does.
“Finding the teaching method that suits you would allow you to pick the more suitable school.”
Engineering courses have lab sessions, projects, lectures and tutorials, just like science subjects in JC. For computer engineering, the lab sessions allow students to visualise how the various circuit components like resistors, transistors, sound sensors and light sensors work and teaches them how to take measurements on the various apparatus. These are equipment we eventually learn more about in class and use in our projects. The latest project I am working on is the programming of a robot to navigate through a maze and this could be done with the use of sound receivers, which are equipment we use in our lab sessions.
Our projects are very interesting as well. Apart from using sound receivers to direct robots for the current project, students are also expected to use cloud technology and a sensor called Lidar, which uses a surveying method that measures the distance to a target by illuminating the target with laser light, to direct robots. There is a time limit for this as well!
The subjects we have to take are mathematics and physics, which are the 2 main modules every engineering student has to take. Apart from that, you also have to take the required modules for your engineering track. For computer engineering students, they would also have to take an additional math module.
I’d say I have learnt how to think logically. For example, during our projects, there are several problems we face from an engineering perspective. As such, we have to be prepared for the different scenarios and problems that might arise, very much like chess. For example, for the robot project, apart from navigating through the maze, we had to programme our robots to detect the colour of an object hidden in the maze. As such, we had to ask ourselves how to programme the robot to receive and process various colours. Hence, I had to use logical thinking to take preemptive measures for the problems the robot might face.
The various grading assignments we go through are kind of similar to what we faced in JC. We have projects and examinations, as well as practicals to test our capabilities in the lab.
Initially, I struggled to keep up with my peers but everyone here is encouraging and helpful. I took physics, chemistry and mathematics in JC. Even though engineering is science-based as well, I found myself struggling because not only is engineering knowledge-intensive but also hands-on as well. In addition, the subjects you do are more in-depth as compared to JC. For example, H2 Physics is a bit more general whereas physics at the university level explores the various scenarios where certain formulas don’t apply, which in turn requires the use of calculus to derive such answers. After some time, however, I got used to the rigour of the curriculum.
“Engineering is basically physics and calculus.”
What I have learnt during my time here is that if you are willing to put in the work, you’d be able to grasp the concepts. Those that don’t do well are the ones that don’t study. As long as you study consistently, you’d be able to do well.
From what I have heard, the demand is quite high for computer engineering students and is comparable to the demand for computer science students. I have a cousin who did computer science and she is currently working with computer engineering students, which goes to show how both are equally sought after. However, what you end up doing largely depends on what you specialise in in school. The two specialisation tracks are the Internet of Things and Robotics.
I don’t plan on branching out outside of engineering. I have an interest in computer engineering and would very much like to pursue it. The two sectors that interest me right now are Large Scale Computing, which involves data management, and data security.
You have to study consistently if you go to engineering as it is quite demanding. Compared to my other friends, I’d say an engineering student’s curriculum would be more packed. There are times where we have back to back modules and almost no free days in a week.
Engineering can be suitable for anyone who has an open mindset and is willing to work hard towards understanding the various concepts. Passion for science and engineering alone will not suffice as students have to have the tenacity to keep up with the school work. Even if you have a passion for science, you might not be interested in other aspects of engineering. Engineering is a subject which you have to try before you can decide if it is suitable for you.
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the interviewees and do not reflect the official policy or position of any institution. They are also not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, class, individual or organisation.
The information contained in this website is intended to provide general guidance only. It should not be relied upon as professional advice and does not 100% guarantee admission into any course.
0 Comments