Civil Engineering Queries (1 Viewer)

[_ShiFTy_]

I am currently in YR12 and i have become increasingly interested in Engineering. My subjects for my HSC include Math MX1&2 and Physics. I have had a general interest in "how things work" and all that construction type stuff since i was little kid and i enjoy the mathematical side of things...So i have a couple of questions:

1) Assumed Knowledge - Is Chemistry really necessary?

2) There are so many types of fields: Geotechinal/structural/construction/environmental...what are the differences

3) USYD or UNSW? USYD has a higher UAI entry cut off but from what i've read, its just because there are less places?

4) Employment opportunities? I have a friend who has undertaken some sort of engineering as is now doing an "upgrade" course thingy for another 3 years, making a total of 7 years. Are there any follow up courses or something of that nature for civil engineering?

 

[Adam]

1. No. I didn't do it. There is a course called 'Fundamental Chemistry' for people like us. It's easy, but I just managed a scrape through (52)

2. You have 3 years to decide which one (if you even want to specialise) you want to do. Geotech is about foundations and soils, structual is about buildings and bridges, construction is about being a site manager or managing the way it works, environmental is about how fluids behave and that application to environmental problems.

3. I picked USYD because it's far easier to get to for me. I'm sure there are differences but in the scheme of things it's basically the same. I have so far really enjoyed my time here like nothing else....

4. Not needed. As of the last graduate survey, it is easier to find a job as a civil engineer then it is a nurse!! You can quite literally walk into whatever job you want when you graduate. There is a shortage and the bulk of the engineers in practice are reaching retirement age, you will have no problem at all with jobs. (But yes, you can do a masters degree is something specific which is one year full time)