Computer Science Canada University Applications 2005-2006 |
| Author: | Paul [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 5:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | University Applications 2005-2006 |
I just received my OUAC pin number and am ready for application-ing. I'm sure quite a few others on this site are in the same position or will be soon. This thread is for any tips or good advice anyone with experience or knowledge can give to us n00bs. Thanks  |
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| Author: | Paul [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:19 pm ] |
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My first question is: what kind of programs are computer engineering, systems design engineering, and mechatronics engineering? The website does not really give you much past a description, and I feel that a personal experience/opinion would weigh alot more. I'm thinking of applying to 1 engineering program at UW, and I'm thinking one of these 3. I'm just not sure which one is suitable. And also if anyone knows/goes to UofT, would know any good programs there in the science/math/business field. |
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| Author: | Tony [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:24 pm ] |
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the way UW Engineering applications work, is that you apply to them all, listing them in order of preference. So you can apply to all 3 programs, and they'll take up one of your OUAC applications. What are you looking for in a program? If we know that, it would be easier to distinguish between the different options. |
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| Author: | Paul [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:25 pm ] |
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Really? is that available on the OUAC website? Well, I'm not into heavy math, especially not discrete. But I like math to a certain degree. For example, right now in chemistry, we're doing quantum numbers and such, at the point where there is no math involved. I'm not GROK'ing it, but as soon as they put some math in, I felt SO much better. Anything with math involved, I can grasp it better. I'm also interested in sciences and technology, almost any kind, but I prefer computers the most. Business is also one of my interests, outside of the engineering programs I'm applying for compsci and BMA Double Degree, which I will go to if I get in. Systems Design engineering is appealing in that manner as it is a "multi-diciplinary" program. Also if anyone has any experience with UW software engineering, it says this: Quote: Experience in developing well-structured, modular programs is required, as demonstrated by at least one of the following: strong performance in a programming course such as Grade 11 or 12 Computer and Information Science or equivalent, strong performance in a programming contest, significant work experience, other (must be explained on the Admission Information Form). To what degree is "well-structured, modular programs" and "strong performance"? As well as most programs require a teacher reference letter, how does that work? |
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| Author: | Tony [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:34 pm ] |
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Engineering is heavy in Calculus, not so much of other Maths. Mechatronics covers a lot of science and technology. Various Physics (Statics / Dynamics), Chemistry (basics, Structure of Materials), Electrical Circuits, programming in various languages. And that's just in first year  |
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| Author: | Paul [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:44 pm ] |
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Well what I fear is that I would go into computer engineering expected to know all sorts of algorithms and possess uber programming skills, I also heard its quite hard. From what you tell me of mechatronics, it sounds very appealing, but I'm not very good with my hands. I always sucked with lego and stuff like that. Also, teacher reference letter, I dont' quite get that? |
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| Author: | Tony [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 7:05 pm ] |
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I don't think anyone would expect you to be an uber leet programmer. It is estimated that 30% of Mechatronics students have not had previous programming experience. That's ok, everybody catches up after the first year. About being hands on -- well Engineers just design and tell others how to build those designs. Keep in mind that the 4th year design projects (as well as others) are done in groups. You don't need to be hands on with a drill press if you're better utilized as a programmer for the team. |
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| Author: | Cervantes [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 8:01 pm ] |
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Tony wrote: the way UW Engineering applications work, is that you apply to them all, listing them in order of preference. So you can apply to all 3 programs, and they'll take up one of your OUAC applications.
Sweet! In that case, I've just saved some money. Dammit Tony, a few minutes ago I was fairly unenthusiastic about Mechatronics. Every time I hear you speak about it, I want to go into it. What do you think are the job prospects for a mechatronics engineer? Are there sophisticated jobs that you'd be qualified for? Would you need graduate studies to get such high end jobs? My Dad is rather pessimisic about it, saying that it might lead to more of a technician type job. |
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| Author: | Tony [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 8:14 pm ] |
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Cervantes wrote: My Dad is rather pessimisic about it, saying that it might lead to more of a technician type job.
The bottom line is that it depends on what type of a person you are. That being said, personally I'm under the impression that Mechatronics is a kickstart into a management/leading role in your field of choice. The thing is -- we're dealing with systems and many aspects of it. From the choice of materials, to electrical circuits, to programming the OS, to the internal structures of the motors used. There isn't a better background to take on a leading role in a development of new technology. On top, we get to take courses such as Management Science, and electives from Economics. There's enough room to sneak an option into your degree. Biomechanics and Management seem to be two of more popular ones. |
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| Author: | Cervantes [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 9:21 pm ] |
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Mmm... mathematics option.
Right now, I don't think I want to do the business / management type thing. Let's just say I wanted to do work for NASA on the Mars rovers. Do you think Mechatronics is the best way there? Or some other field? |
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| Author: | Paul [ Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:00 pm ] |
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My most preferable program is Business Admin/Math DD. you can find more info about working at nasa: http://www.nasa.gov/about/career/ |
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| Author: | codemage [ Sat Nov 19, 2005 2:39 pm ] |
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Most first year programs don't bash you over the head with material, so don't worry about being out of your league in any subject. Typically you get some elective room in your first year as well, so that's the best time to figure out which options you like and don't like. For instance, I loved math in highschool, so I thought I'd do a major in CompSci and minor in Math. When I got to Uni, I didn't like math any more (possibly brought on by a sequence of awful profs), so I did a straight up CS degree instead. Plan ahead, but leave your options open. |
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| Author: | Tony [ Sat Nov 19, 2005 2:57 pm ] |
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Cervantes wrote: Let's just say I wanted to do work for NASA on the Mars rovers. Do you think Mechatronics is the best way there?
I'd have to say that Mechatronics certanly an exceptional degree to get into such a project. The bottom line is that due to limited communication, the rover has to be mostly autonomous. And as you probably know that's the core idea of Mechatronics Engineering -- autonomous systems. Though there's more! You'll have some knowledge of Chemistry, Materials, Physics, Circuits, Mechanics, Systems, Programming. Now I'll be honest -- I don't know if you'll be offered a lead project manager for the rover on graduation. What you should keep in mind though is that if you were to say get to work on the chassis of the rover, you would be in a position to better communicate with Mechanical and Electrical and various other Engineers for different components. I would imagine that you'd go to more meetings as you would have a better ability to connect your work, to those of other fields. Who knows, maybe you'll be promoted to the project assistant. And then when the lead guy disappears  |
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| Author: | Paul [ Sat Nov 19, 2005 11:33 pm ] |
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Does tony get referal bonuses?  |
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| Author: | Martin [ Sun Nov 20, 2005 7:19 pm ] |
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Applied math is where it's at guys. |
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| Author: | md [ Sun Nov 20, 2005 10:36 pm ] |
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you're real bet is to apply for CS and then drop out into applied math if you don't like CS. That way you help keep the dropout rate up |
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| Author: | Martin [ Sun Nov 20, 2005 10:37 pm ] |
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Haha, oh yeah. Definitely CS then switch. Although CS costs $1000/semester. Bastards. |
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| Author: | Cervantes [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:00 pm ] |
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Martin wrote: Applied math is where it's at guys.
After more thinking, Applied Math (specifically, Mathematical Physics) is currently my numero uno choice. |
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| Author: | md [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:20 pm ] |
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I'd still recomend trying CS first, and then leaving if you don't like it, but Applied Math is a good program so I'm not recomending it too much... Just don't apply for engineering of any kind. All engineers (with the possible exception of tony, and my Gf's sister, and any other engineers I might know) are strange, twisted, tormented souls. They stole the natural log for god's sake! |
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| Author: | Andy [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:45 pm ] |
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lol i read about that... pretty funny stuff.. apparantlly some of my firends want to steal the tie |
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| Author: | md [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:48 pm ] |
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Andy wrote: lol i read about that... pretty funny stuff.. apparantlly some of my firends want to steal the tie
Well I'll know who to interrogate now when it disapears won't I? |
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| Author: | Cervantes [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:50 pm ] |
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Cornflake wrote: I'd still recomend trying CS first, and then leaving if you don't like it, but Applied Math is a good program so I'm not recomending it too much...
Ah, I thought you were joking. Why would I try CS first? I don't really want to make programming my career, though I would like to take CS courses in Uni and perhaps make it my minor. (Can you do that? Take a minor in the same faculty as your major, that is.) |
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| Author: | md [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:54 pm ] |
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I was mostly joking... but switching from CS to anything is easier then switching into CS, so you're limiting your options. Of course if CS isn't what you want then it's all good Taking a CS minor when your in the math faculty is certainly possible, though I have no idea what it entails. From outside math the cs minor is a joke though. |
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| Author: | Martin [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:42 pm ] |
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Yeah, if you're going into math at Waterloo, go into CS for sure. Your 1A courses will be identical to if you were in any other math program (by identical, I mean same course numbers, not just equivalent courses). 1B will be almost identical, with the potential to take an extra CS credit. Switching from CS to another math program is trivial. You will lose at most one credit (the CS251 one). |
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| Author: | Paul [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 10:12 pm ] |
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hm, my friend said he's gonna do CS and math double major at UW. |
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| Author: | Martin [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 10:24 pm ] |
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Yeah, a lot of people do that. Double math degrees aren't incredibly difficult to get into (now to finish, I have no idea). I've been thinking of doing either an Applied/C&O or Applied/Pure math double degree. I haven't planned it out at all though. |
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| Author: | shorthair [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 11:09 pm ] |
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Im Compsci At UofT. here is an interesting fact, in Compsci you have to take theoretical and rigourous calculus in your first year, a course called mat137. this is the hardest math course in year one, it does not get any harder the course name is Calculus!. there are 6 courses underneath it all the way to MAT128. For a math degree you have only to take MAT135, same concepts but no proofs and no theory just practicals, also for compsci i have a problem set every weeek that takes most people a minimum of 10 Hours to complete. My points being , at UofT you can take easier math course's if you just go on and take a math degree. NOW THAT IS F"D UP RIGHT THERE. Every prof has told me that Compsci is one of the hardest degrees, as it requires lots of math and reasoning along with intense programming with the math you have learned. he said that there are never more than 50 People in your 2nd year + classes. U of T = No Go For CompSci , unless your hte damned Best and decided not to go to waterloo |
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| Author: | Andy [ Wed Nov 23, 2005 11:18 pm ] |
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if u go for math at waterloo, try to take advanced math, even if just for a week so u can get a taste of pure math is like.. im not liking advanced algebra too much right now, but calculus is pretty fun |
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| Author: | Martin [ Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:01 am ] |
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YES! (I remember telling you that about a year ago Andy :p) |
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| Author: | Andy [ Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:31 am ] |
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lol yea thx for that tip.. except im dying in algebra.. 830 in the morning is killing me.. btw, how much time did u spend on ur math assignments last year martin? |
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| Author: | Martin [ Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:42 am ] |
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Too much. Yeah, it's rough, but don't worry. If you fail the final (like...below 50% fail) you'll still end up with at least an 80. |
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| Author: | Cervantes [ Fri Nov 25, 2005 2:36 pm ] |
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Andy wrote: if u go for math at waterloo, try to take advanced math, even if just for a week so u can get a taste of pure math is like.. im not liking advanced algebra too much right now, but calculus is pretty fun
Advanced math? What's that all about? Link? |
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| Author: | Andy [ Sat Nov 26, 2005 1:58 am ] |
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ummm here are the links to my current assignments... the class is all about proofs. Algebra Calculus |
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