<p>I’m currently starting my Sophomore year as an MSE major, and I’ve been looking into what area to specialize in (my school offers five specializations; biomaterials, nanotechnology, electronics, polymers, and energy conservation), and what classes are required for what. I’m considering and probably going to do nanotech, but I have a couple of questions as to what’s important to take and what isn’t. Also, I’ve found that I have enough space to double major in Statistics, which is an area I really enjoy studying.
My questions are as follows:
1.) Is Orgo important for nanotechnology? During my intro to MSE class, I find my professor talking a lot about “organic” compounds when it comes to anything nano-related, and I’m wondering if it’d be a good idea to take the class as elective credits for my major.
2.) Is double majoring in stats actually worth it? I sincerely enjoy the subject, and as far as I’m concerned (and know), it would be something I’d do because I enjoy it. Only problem is, I’d be taking at a minimum 20 credits/semester if I were to do that, and I’m not sure how I’d handle that load, because this is my first semester taking 20 credits.
3.) I know this shouldn’t affect my decision at all, but which of the specializations is probably, or at least in your opinion, the “hottest” area of interest in this day and age?<br>
Thanks in advanced, I really appreciate it.</p>
<p>I will give you a few uninformed opinions.</p>
<p>[ol]
[<em>] I would take “orgo” over statistics if material science is my main line of study.
[</em>] It depends on your plans after graduation. If you plan to go to graduate school then double majoring in stats is a total waste of time. Take whatever stats class you really like but focus on beefing up your material science credentials.
[li] This is a tough question and only you can answer. They are all hot fields - some are established and some are emerging. Nanotechnology is an emerging field. Only few universities in the world have the facilities to do interesting work in this field and it will take several years before real world applications begin to emerge. (This reminds me of MEMS during early 80s. Only now we are beginning to see this field exploding. There have been some applications in the automotive world but they have been limited.) So, focus on what appeals to YOU the most. [/li][/ol]</p>
<p>Wish you all the best.</p>
<p>I emphatically agree with HuskyDad’s Point No. 1 and Point No. 2.</p>
<p>Enrolling in Organic Chemistry will be more beneficial for a Materials Science engineering undergraduate than taking multiple Statistics courses. Familiarity with OC will come in handy should you decide to study Biomaterials. Use other free slots in your program to get well versed in Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and/or Physical Chemistry, sub-disciplines that have interplay with Materials Science.</p>
<p>Well, after doing some more research, I’ve discovered that if I were to end up doing nanotech, taking organic chem would NOT count as one of the specialization credits, as it only counts as specialization for biomaterials and polymers. Also, I found this kinda funny, for biomaterials, only Orgo 1 counts, and Orgo 2, while you can (and most people probably do) take it, it will not count as one of the classes towards your specialization. Does that mean that if I were to end up doing biomaterials, I shouldn’t take orgo 2?</p>
<p>Might as well get it out of the way. If you’re nervous that a poor performance in OC 2 might drag down your GPA, why not take it PASS/FAIL?</p>