Should I drop the science component off my double degree?

[BigAl]

We haven't got our results yet but I have this feeling that I might fail more than one unit...although there were external reasons behind lack of my performance in previous semester, I've begun questioning my ability to get a double degree. Let me list my reasons:
1- I was grown up by a religious family. So we often discuss religion and science at home. This issue demoralizes me so much instead of motivating me.
2- Although I love astronomy so much, I question my ability to get good scores while maintaining a good average for engineering. I mean I don't think any science branch other than maths goes hand in hand with aerospace engineering.

I want to hear your opinions. I'm pretty average person and it feels like I'm challenging my limits. Not sure what to do...

[b^3]

I would probably say that straight aerospace is actually harder than the double degree. For me science is a break from the hard units, (for me) it's easier than the engineering units and require less 'fumbling around in the dark' to work out what you're learning. Doing 4 engineering units looks a lot more painful than diluting it with some science units. Also the jump from first year to second year engineering is a lot larger than the jump from first year science to second year science, it'll start taking up a lot more time out of class than you realise (with projects and such).

Science units set themselves out better, and seem to help you along more than engineering units do. Engineering seems more independent learning and trying to work things out for yourself later on, 'throwing us in the deep end'. Doing a few science units just gives you that time to relax a bit more rather than 4 full flat out engineering units that'll reduce your sleep a heap.

[mystikal]

hrmm it depends on you really. but as the above mentions science can be a good break to have. in addition,  theres heaps of majors in science why not pick one that is not in conflict with issues at home?

plus u can structure your course to do 3 aero + 1 science finishing your aero ahead of science. you also might wanna consider unloading during the semester but then do a unit or 2 in the summer or winter if the units are available coz i know they are limited. whatever your decision I hope you think of all the possible options before dropping it.

lastly, you can just do all aero units leaving your science degree till the end or you could just drop it completely if u change your mind later on but hold onto it until your 3rd of 4th year.

[slothpomba]

It seems like your reasons for considering dropping science aren't out of lack of "liking" for science. The external reasons are always a factor, i wouldn't be so easy to discount them.

I think (1.) will happen regardless of whether you study science or not won't it? Just don't talk about it or find some way to mitigate it if you can. This reason, whilst shitty, has nothing really to do with studying science in university on a pro/con basis of how it'll benefit you. As for 2, you don't necessarily *need* to do an area related to engineering, of course you can if you want to though and in the end it is up to you.

I think you probably have to be honest with yourself over why you question your ability to get good scores in science and engineering at the same time. It seems you love astronomy deeply, lack of interest is a major factor in not succeeding in uni subjects. So, why do you feel you cant succeed then? Dispite the minor hiccup this semester, how have you gone overall? If you have went well and you love it, i see no reason to stop taking it really.

Indeed, as b^3, it can provide a well deserved break. It's the same reason almost no one takes a law degree alone (instead combining it with arts, science, etc). It's because it provides a bit of a break and keep either content fresh because you see less of it.

[BigAl]

Thanks for the replies, guys...hopefully I pass my units..that should motivate me a bit I guess. If not, I will minimize external factors and try harder next year..