ANU's Engineering R&D Program (1 Viewer)

[kkakaka]

Hi, guys I've been skimming through the ANU forum since I can't seem to use the search tool (image verification keeps giving me jumbled images). Still, I can't find any info about ANU's Engineering Research and Development Program.

I have read the handbook from the ANU website, but I want to know more from current students. Can anyone shed some light about the coursework load, research and job prospects? Will it allow me to go into industries for civil/chemical/biomedical/environmental engineering? Is it a very hands-on approach to machinery and systems (as I gather from the web)? Has anyone dropped out of the program due to the extreme pressure/difficulty?

Also, what difference will it make to take on the combined degree of B of Engineering R&D / B of Science? I know it will take five years than the normal 4 years, but is the extra year worth it?

(Any current student who wants to talk to me via email will be much appreciated as well)

Thanks. Just looking for some insight, and sorry if this has been asked before.

 

[Procyon11]

Hello! If you're going to be studying ANU Engineering R&D this year, I'll probably see your there (unless I end up deciding to take a gap year between now and enrolments...)

I recently spoke to a former student of the normal engineering/science (chemistry) stream, and overall received some pretty positive encouragement. I had the same sort of questions as you, involving what we actually get out of the program in the end, what it will be like to study there (ie. study loads, course content, previous knowledge etc) and info about combined degrees.

This student mentioned that the main benefit of the ANU's engineering program, compared to the offerings of other universities, is its unique course structure and overall learning style. The ANU engineering degree is very much an academic experience - it is less industry oriented (although certainly not purely theoretical) - it provides students with an all encompassing point of view when approaching a question. He explained that the degree is very much structured to teach students how to evaluate situations and analyse how to best create solutions by referring to appropriate academic theories, and balancing cost, quality and performance, and time restraints - very much real world concerns - and something unique (in Australia) to engineering at the ANU.

I couldn't ask him about the research degree, but it would make sense that doing actual research projects will involve some extremely hands-on learning opportunities, as well as "industry-experience". These projects are all about new research - so you'll actually be contributing fresh ideas and knowledge to the university.

I was told that university, especially the later years where it relaxes a lot more, will be one of the best experiences of my life. First year will be difficult. Second worse. But third, fourth (and fifth) will be "easier". I tend to agree with that. While lectures and tutorials will take up around 5-6 hours of every day, and the majority of them starting at 9AM (say goodbye to sleep ins), it isn't all furious study. There are lots of social opportunities between the various colleges, and awesome opportunities to make new friends. Though what I've heard from both this friend and my previous math teacher's daughter (also ANU eng. alumni) is that you can say goodbye to your social life now (or don't even bother having one in the first place).

I also went to the ANU Advisory Session here in Canberra to ask some more questions. Apparently it's recommended to have done double specialist maths (ACT jargon for top level maths plus the optional top level course), though you can get by with just one specialist maths (which is what I did in Year 12). The degree teaches you everything from the ground up - though at a furious pace. Essentially, Year 11 & 12 maths is covered in the first semester. I told my friend, the previous student, about these 'requirements', and my concerns that I only did 1x top level. He told me, 'don't worry at all, you'll be fine'. Awesome.

Personally, I just accepted my offer to Engineering (R&D) and Science a few days ago (early offer). I'm thinking of doing a Physics Major for Science. Not sure about the engineering majors yet, and we have until second year to decide.

The guy at the advisory session said that 80% of R&D students do a combined degree, as it also provides them with the science background and extra stimulus. Seeing as its only one year extra, you get two degrees and you very much further your knowledge base, why wouldn't you do a combined degree?!

Cheers!