ATAR Notes: Forum
Uni Stuff => Universities - Victoria => University of Melbourne => Topic started by: 86 on January 24, 2012, 11:47:55 am
-
So far I've got:
Mechanical Design
Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Mechanics and Materials
Mechanical Dynamics
My problem is I need 75 points at level 3, 50 of which I've used for the above subjects for the major in the 3rd year. I don't know what other level 3 subjects to take. I'll be taking 25 points off level 2 as I can't take any off level 1 (prereqs for the major and masters), can anyone help me out?
-
http://www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/majors/major/mechsys
You can use this as a guide - you don't necessarily have to do the subjects in light blue.
Alternatively you can consult someone at uni, such as in the Mech Eng department or a course adviser, for advice.
-
So far I've got:
Mechanical Design
Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Mechanics and Materials
Mechanical Dynamics
My problem is I need 75 points at level 3, 50 of which I've used for the above subjects for the major in the 3rd year. I don't know what other level 3 subjects to take. I'll be taking 25 points off level 2 as I can't take any off level 1 (prereqs for the major and masters), can anyone help me out?
Here's the full list of subjects you can take https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2012/%21B-SCI-SPC%2B1021
You can try to supplement it with maths, other engineering subjects, physics etc..
-
Here's the full list of subjects you can take https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2012/%21B-SCI-SPC%2B1021
You can try to supplement it with maths, other engineering subjects, physics etc..
Thanks for that! But if I may ask your opinion, what are some good complementary subjects to mechanical systems? I don't know what 2 subjects to choose.
-
Here's the full list of subjects you can take https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2012/%21B-SCI-SPC%2B1021
You can try to supplement it with maths, other engineering subjects, physics etc..
Thanks for that! But if I may ask your opinion, what are some good complementary subjects to mechanical systems? I don't know what 2 subjects to choose.
I wouldn't know but some of my friends who are majoring in electrical systems are also doing mechanical systems and software systems subjects to complement. The easiest thing for you would probably be to do foundations of electrical networks, which lets you do the third year electrical engineering subjects. Otherwise, it may be difficult to find other areas to do level 3 subjects in. For example, most third year maths subjects require both real analysis and vector calculus. You would have to do this on top of engineering maths. Physics is even worse, requiring the two maths subjects I mentioned before as well as another 1-3 second year physics subjects.
-
Here's the full list of subjects you can take https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2012/%21B-SCI-SPC%2B1021
You can try to supplement it with maths, other engineering subjects, physics etc..
Thanks for that! But if I may ask your opinion, what are some good complementary subjects to mechanical systems? I don't know what 2 subjects to choose.
I wouldn't know but some of my friends who are majoring in electrical systems are also doing mechanical systems and software systems subjects to complement. The easiest thing for you would probably be to do foundations of electrical networks, which lets you do the third year electrical engineering subjects. Otherwise, it may be difficult to find other areas to do level 3 subjects in. For example, most third year maths subjects require both real analysis and vector calculus. You would have to do this on top of engineering maths. Physics is even worse, requiring the two maths subjects I mentioned before as well as another 1-3 second year physics subjects.
Ok, so I've currently got listed for level 2:
Engineering Computation
Engineering Mechanics
Engineering Mathematics
Engineering Materials
Electromagnetism & Optics
and
Thermal & Classical Physics
Discrete Maths & Operations Research
I'm thinking of replacing the last two with two level 3 subjects. So far, I've warmed to both Risk Analysis (CVEN30008) and Structural Theory & Design (CVEN30009). I know these are more for the civil major, but would it be helpful to have them to complement the major in Mech. Systems?
Would it be good to replace Electromagnetism & Optics with Foundation of Electrical networks? I currently have Electromagnetism & Optics listed as my complementary subject in the 3rd year along with Engineering Materials so I'm not really sure. I could replace Thermal & Classical Physics and Discrete Maths & Operations Research with two level 3 subjects as complements in the 3rd year and move Foundation of Electrical networks and Engineering Materials into my semester 2 subjects in the second year. Would that seem right to you?
And thanks for all your help so far. My stress levels were about to get the better of me :P
-
^ It is probably better to do foundations of electrical networks instead of electromag. The reason is the former is an engineering subject and allows you to do third year electrical engineering if you wish (or even change your mind). Electromag is a physics subject primarily and even doing it won't allow you to pursue third year physics because you don't meet the maths requirements.
As for what complements a mech. systems major well, I would have no idea, although I think for now, doing first year subjects that will keep your options open should probably be your only major concern. You have plenty of time to think about future subjects this year.
-
Thanks so much for the advice. This is what my plan currently looks like, do you mind having a look?
Edit: I'm not entirely sure whether my color coding is correct in terms of complementary subjects, leading to majors and additional etc.
-
Thanks so much for the advice. This is what my plan currently looks like, do you mind having a look?
Edit: I'm not entirely sure whether my color coding is correct in terms of complementary subjects, leading to majors and additional etc.
One big problem: you have to have done ESD2 before you can do eng mechanics or foundations of electrical networks. This means you should do it in first year or summer of second year.
-
What should I swap in the first year?
Edit: What if I swap Physics 2 with ESD2?
-
You could use a breadth slot if you wanted.
-
You could use a breadth slot if you wanted.
I could, but I'm thinking of taking a Commerce breadth track and some philosophy/linguistics. It's pretty tight as it is..
-
I assume you do not wish to take any summer subjects? If that's the case then you may have to drop physics 2 (or do it later if you still wish).
-
If ESD2 is done in summer, doesn't there mean a subject has to be lost somewhere, so 86 doesn't exceed the 300 credit point limit.
-
If ESD2 is done in summer, doesn't there mean a subject has to be lost somewhere, so 86 doesn't exceed the 300 credit point limit.
Yep that's right, he'll have to underload at some point.
-
dc302 knows what underloading is?? :-\ :P ;D
Dropping physics looks like the best bet, since 86 said that he/she wanted to utilise all the breadth slots. The other option is dropping ESD1 which I've personally heard is quite useless and boring (not my words, I've never done the subject), and I don't think it's a prereq to any of the subjects listed there (I'm probably wrong though).
-
If ESD2 is done in summer, doesn't there mean a subject has to be lost somewhere, so 86 doesn't exceed the 300 credit point limit.
Yep that's right, he'll have to underload at some point.
i thought you could take additional summer subjects..if you need to fulfil prereqs or something? For example, i wanted to do: Calc 1 in Sem 1, Calc 2 in Sem 2. And then linear algebra in summer. I don't have to drop a subject elsewhere do i?
-
Yes you do, you can only take a maximum of 300 credit points (normally 4 subjects a semester). By doing a subject over summer, you need to take an underloaded semester with only 3 subjects somewhere in your degree, to make up for the extra subject you did.
-
I assume you do not wish to take any summer subjects? If that's the case then you may have to drop physics 2 (or do it later if you still wish).
No not really, but then again I don't know much about it.
I called them up about doing ESD2 in the first year and Physics 2 in the second year. It seems fine that I can do that but I'm dropping by tomorrow to go over it and make sure it's allowed.
I'm actually not over the 300 point limit - just that ESD2 should be done in the first year as you pointed out so I was wondering if I could swap and thus do a level 1 in the second year.
But from your knowledge, am I allowed to do any level of subject during any year? So for instance am i allowed to do a level 1 science in the third year? It depends on the prerequisites for what you want to major in right?
-
Yeah, that's correct. For instance alot of people do higher level subjects in first year as it doesn't contribute to their GPA as much. They will then leave level 1 subjects which are generally easier to do in third year to maximise their GPA contribution for postgraduate health science courses.
-
Yeah, that's correct. For instance alot of people do higher level subjects in first year as it doesn't contribute to their GPA as much. They will then leave level 1 subjects which are generally easier to do in third year to maximise their GPA contribution for postgraduate health science courses.
Great thanks :) just a question though would doing that be more of a strategic thing? Wouldn't level 3 subjects in the first year be quite difficult, but be worth it in terms of GPA? Does breadth also contribute to GPA?
And this will sound silly but what exactly is GPA? I know in vague terms what it is but I don't even know what it's used for ???
-
Yeah, that's correct. For instance alot of people do higher level subjects in first year as it doesn't contribute to their GPA as much. They will then leave level 1 subjects which are generally easier to do in third year to maximise their GPA contribution for postgraduate health science courses.
Great thanks :) just a question though would doing that be more of a strategic thing? Wouldn't level 3 subjects in the first year be quite difficult, but be worth it in terms of GPA? Does breadth also contribute to GPA?
And this will sound silly but what exactly is GPA? I know in vague terms what it is but I don't even know what it's used for ???
Well, for post graduate health science courses there is a good description here of what GPA entails for that GPA for PostGraduate Medicine Explained
Yes it is a strategic thing. Breadth should be treated as any other subject, it's weighted the same (contributes to GPA) just as a normal science subject (common misconception).
GPA stands for grade point average and it is basically a means of calculating a 'score' which reflects your performance across your whole undergraduate study. Many postgraduate, masters, honours courses will use this to rank applicants for selection. However, whilst postgraduate health science courses calculate it as shown in the link above, other courses may have a different means of calculation.
-
dc302 knows what underloading is?? :-\ :P ;D
Dropping physics looks like the best bet, since 86 said that he/she wanted to utilise all the breadth slots. The other option is dropping ESD1 which I've personally heard is quite useless and boring (not my words, I've never done the subject), and I don't think it's a prereq to any of the subjects listed there (I'm probably wrong though).
ESD1 could be dropped, but there isn't any other subject that can replace it, unless 86 wants to do a subject from a completely different discipline (ie chemistry).
If ESD2 is done in summer, doesn't there mean a subject has to be lost somewhere, so 86 doesn't exceed the 300 credit point limit.
Yep that's right, he'll have to underload at some point.
i thought you could take additional summer subjects..if you need to fulfil prereqs or something? For example, i wanted to do: Calc 1 in Sem 1, Calc 2 in Sem 2. And then linear algebra in summer. I don't have to drop a subject elsewhere do i?
As jazrulz said, the only way to do more than 300 subjects is to get permission (and have good reason) to take a CAP subject, for which you will have to pay full fee (and up front too I think). In any case, people do not normally do this, but many people do take summer subjects for various reasons, such as failing a subject beforehand or because their structure requires it to be like that.
-
dc302 knows what underloading is?? :-\ :P ;D
Dropping physics looks like the best bet, since 86 said that he/she wanted to utilise all the breadth slots. The other option is dropping ESD1 which I've personally heard is quite useless and boring (not my words, I've never done the subject), and I don't think it's a prereq to any of the subjects listed there (I'm probably wrong though).
ESD1 could be dropped, but there isn't any other subject that can replace it, unless 86 wants to do a subject from a completely different discipline (ie chemistry).
I have my level 1 and 2 minimums worked out - I just need 2 more level 3 science subjects to make up the final 25 points. (Currently only have the 50 points contributing towards the major @ level 3 - need 75)
As jazrulz said, the only way to do more than 300 subjects is to get permission (and have good reason) to take a CAP subject, for which you will have to pay full fee (and up front too I think). In any case, people do not normally do this, but many people do take summer subjects for various reasons, such as failing a subject beforehand or because their structure requires it to be like that.
Wait, I think there's a misconception ??? I'm not over the 300 point limit, I'm actually under it even after all the advice (thanks) that you guys have given me. I just need the 2 level 3 sciences which I don't know where to pick from. There are physics and maths subjects but I don't qualify for it with my current plan. That's where I found the Civil subjects @ level 3 that I met the prerequisites for. Would you guys recommend me taking them for 3rd year?
And thanks Peedles :)
-
Whoops, yeah that's my fault. For some reason I was thinking you were adding another subject in, instead of just moving one you already had into a different slot. Don't mind me, I'm just making it more confusing! I blame the GAMSAT study :)
-
Whoops, yeah that's my fault. For some reason I was thinking you were adding another subject in, instead of just moving one you already had into a different slot. Don't mind me! I blame the GAMSAT study :)
No worries at all, I'm extremely thankful you can find the time to help me with this, really appreciate it :)
And going off of what Peedles said, I made a move of engineering computation and foundation of electrical networks to the third year. They're level 2 so they should be easier - I saw the calculation used for the GPA so the x3 multiplier should fare a little better with easier level 2 subjects. But I'll have to get the specifics for engineering (or the relevant field for my major) somehow for how the GPA is calculated for it. So the 2 extra subjects at level 3 will be placed in semester 1 and 2 of the second year.
Would anyone know how the GPA is calculated for this?
-
It really depends on what you're looking at, for example Master of Engineering (Mechanical), it isn't based off GPA, but instead;
An average of 65% in the final two years.
-
It really depends on what you're looking at, for example Master of Engineering (Mechanical), it isn't based off GPA, but instead;
An average of 65% in the final two years.
Yeah, in order to be eligible for the Masters right? Otherwise you'd have a relatively useless bachelors..
I read about that before the offers, thanks for reminding me :) So now that the GPA isn't really relevant, would you say undoing the swap I mentioned above would be good?
-
It really depends on what you're looking at, for example Master of Engineering (Mechanical), it isn't based off GPA, but instead;
An average of 65% in the final two years.
Yeah, in order to be eligible for the Masters right? Otherwise you'd have a relatively useless bachelors..
I read about that before the offers, thanks for reminding me :) So now that the GPA isn't really relevant, would you say undoing the swap I mentioned above would be good?
I honestly don't think it would matter though. 65% is and should be easy to achieve for someone who is planning on doing masters. If you can't then I would reconsider that career path altogether (given that you were actually trying in uni).
-
I honestly don't think it would matter though. 65% is and should be easy to achieve for someone who is planning on doing masters. If you can't then I would reconsider that career path altogether (given that you were actually trying in uni).
Yeah, I know I probably shouldn't comment now but 65% seems rather reasonable. I'm not the brightest person but hey I got into the course I wanted.
I'll see what gets said tomorrow, because if GPA is irrelevant I'll just do level 3's in the third year as per usual. It'll just be one less thing I have to factor in 8) That, and I gotta ask for advice on what level 3 sciences I should pick up.
Thanks so much guys - your advice is invaluable. I'll post anything important tomorrow.
-
Hey guys, so I presented one of the advisers my plan and the woman said it was all good. I can do any level of subject at any year. However I'm still clueless as to what I should pick for my additional level 3 subjects. I'll probably figure out what I want to do when the time comes.