So I'm currently pursuing my Mechatronics and Management degree. I'm in second year and finding the work load extremely overwhelming. For example, this past weekend, I went out once, for an hour. The rest of the weekend I spent doing homework. A few of the courses I'm finding are uninteresting (notably Statics and Dynamics), and another (Eng Phys) has ridiculous labs and assignments. All this work is being detrimental to my physical and mental health. I can say I have no social life anymore.

I'm thinking of switching into software engineering and mgmt. Does anyone have any insight on my particular situation, or could offer me suggestions? I've always done well in computer programming courses, whereas I've had to work extra hard to do well in physics. Also, in thinking about my possible career options, I see myself as being better suited to work on a software project, rather than one that is multidisciplinary in nature - such as building an industrial robot. Here's the hitch though - I've always loved, as a hobby, playing around with electrical circuits, making electrical modifications to my bike, trying to build a go cart, etc.

Another option i'm considering is spreading my degree out over an extra year. I feel like dropping one course (out of the six I'm currently taking) would open up a lot of free time for me.

It's been a tough week and I just failed my math midterm. I'm trying to decide whether to stay in Tron or make the switch. Feedback would be much appreciated! Thanks.

I know plenty of people in mechatronics. Second year is going to be the worst for you - especially this semester (at least in my opinion). I think it's like this to filter out the people who aren't willing to do the work. Just bare with it until third year and it's pretty much smooth sailing from there.

Also, protip - mechatronics and software converge (especially software and embedded) after second year.

Hey, Kevin. It's your 2AA2 group-mate, Paul.

Yes, 2nd year Tron was a bit overwhelming, but you learn to organize your time quite well.

Hit me up on Facebook if you want to talk.

i found right now between the 3 or 4 weekly assignments plus tests that it has been a lot of work, but once it begins to die off it should be better. it was like first year when we had the 6 midterms plus assignments over 2 weeks, had no social life or anything but it got better.

if you decide you want to switch, you should wait till second semester if anything, and decide over the christmas break if thats what you want

Im in elec and biomed . im seriously hating it right now.. well elec eng 2ci5. But as Dilion said, they want to weed as us out. You arent the only one who legit just failed math.

Second year is overwhelming for sure. I felt very much the same in first term as well (minus the mgmt stuff). I just couldn't keep up with the workload and it was just insane some weeks. My advice, stick it out and keep going. Don't let this one math midterm put you down! It does get waaaay better in 3rd and 4th year!

P.S. Were having a Pool Night next Friday. Come out for a short while, talk to some upper years and take a break lol

Hey!

Just think about the sense of accomplishment you'll get once you're done this semester. It's really great to look back and think of how much you have survived

drop math courses and any elective courses and take them in spring/summer semester.it should be easier and you will not be stressed if you do that you don't need to stay at university for another year.

Originally Posted by MacPack

Im in elec and biomed . im seriously hating it right now.. well elec eng 2ci5. But as Dilion said, they want to weed as us out. You arent the only one who legit just failed math.

My prof from 2ci5 said "if you arn't enjoying this class, you should seriously consider switching disciplines".

Just sayin

Originally Posted by muons

Hey!

Just think about the sense of accomplishment you'll get once you're done this semester. It's really great to look back and think of how much you have survived

Kevin has to realistic as well...Engineering is not something one can easily pull through!

The only thing he'll be looking back on is his bad grades saying "i should have done something about this earlier!"

Yes, it is a sense of accomplishment; how ever ur jeopardizing ur future!

hes right, tht math midterm was a beast! ---> its questionable if any one passed (i heard the avg last year was 32)

Originally Posted by muons

Hey!

Just think about the sense of accomplishment you'll get once you're done this semester. It's really great to look back and think of how much you have survived

Im sorry, but being realistic should take precedence over the "sense of accomplishment you'll get once you're done this semester", it could also be a feeling of depression and anxiety b/c you failed the semester all because you couldn't realistically assess how much you can handle.

Thanks for all the responses everyone. Now that round 1 of midterms is over, I'm going to really try and focus on working more efficiently, and duking it out until the end of the year. I'm leaning towards staying in Tron, but I'll take the Christmas break to think about it.

Originally Posted by MacPack

Im in elec and biomed . im seriously hating it right now.. well elec eng 2ci5. But as Dilion said, they want to weed as us out. You arent the only one who legit just failed math.

wait till third year elecbiomed
then it really gets serious. Ci5 was fun compared to later elec courses (3ej4). not to mention anatomy is the biggest time waster of alll time.

oh and as for last year math being horrible, that was 2zz3 (second semester). have fun with that. Average was pretty high for first semester math.