How to learn general engineering ?

[carllacan]

How to learn "general engineering"?

Hi.

I'm a third year physics bachelor student. I'd like to learn how to apply my physics knowledge to the design of products. Which skills do you think should I try to learn? Like: 3D design, technical drawing, electronics...

In other words: once I know the "science" of what I'm trying to do which skills would I need to "make" it?

Thank you for your time.

 

[abitslow]

Sure, you need CAD-CAM skills, for an engineering type job, absolutely. But then, you also need industry specific skills. Injection molding, robotic assembly, materials science, electronics,... there are many possibilities. too many to enumerate. Mechanical Engineering probably comes closest to 'matching' to your background.
The following are - as you should know - products:
Viagra
Beyonce
Ford F-150
Allstate Homeowners Insurance
Hubble Space Telescope
Gold coins
Uranium fuel rods
Burj Khalifa
Other than requiring strong analytical and problem solving skills, what do they all share in common??
(Hint: its about people, not things; the interpersonal, not the technical).

 

[carllacan]

Sure, you need CAD-CAM skills, for an engineering type job, absolutely. But then, you also need industry specific skills. Injection molding, robotic assembly, materials science, electronics,... there are many possibilities. too many to enumerate. Mechanical Engineering probably comes closest to 'matching' to your background.
The following are - as you should know - products:
Viagra
Beyonce
Ford F-150
Allstate Homeowners Insurance
Hubble Space Telescope
Gold coins
Uranium fuel rods
Burj Khalifa
Other than requiring strong analytical and problem solving skills, what do they all share in common??
(Hint: its about people, not things; the interpersonal, not the technical).

They all require knowledge from different fields? I don't know.

I realize my question could sound a bit naive. I've edited it.

 

[SteamKing]

If you want to design and engineer products, why are you in a physics program? The tools and courses you need are more generally found in the basic engineering undergrad curriculum.

 

[Matrix0]

Hi there,

Learning "general engineering" involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. As a physics student, you already have a strong foundation in scientific principles, which is a great starting point. To apply your physics knowledge to product design, I would recommend focusing on the following skills:

1. 3D design: This skill allows you to create virtual models of your product, which is essential for visualizing and testing different design ideas. You can learn 3D design through software programs like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Blender.

2. Technical drawing: Technical drawing is a crucial skill for engineers as it involves creating accurate and detailed drawings of a product's design. This is important for communicating your ideas to others and ensuring that the product can be manufactured correctly.

3. Electronics: Many products today involve electronic components, so having knowledge of basic electronics principles and circuits can be beneficial. You can learn this through courses or online resources.

Apart from these technical skills, it is also essential to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. These skills will help you approach engineering challenges creatively and effectively collaborate with others on projects.

I suggest seeking out internships or volunteer opportunities in engineering-related fields to gain hands-on experience and apply your theoretical knowledge. Additionally, networking with engineers and attending workshops or conferences can also help you learn more about different aspects of general engineering.

I hope this helps and best of luck in your engineering journey!