NTU Engineering

[tanrdus]

Hi,

I am currently interested in applying for a course in Engineering, but i have some questions that i hope seniors here would be able to answer! I took A levels and my results are probably good enough to enter any of the engineering courses i think, but have some doubts!

1) For Bioengineering, are there alot of job opportunities upon graduation? When i went for the open house, they showed that employment after graduation for this course has been falling, now at 75% if im not wrong. So why is this so?

2) Would taking a general degree in say ME or EEE be better than like taking Aerospace Engineering or Bioengineering? Like in terms of how rigorous the course is, attachment opportunities, difficulty, ability to get first/second upper class honours etc? Like how is life in these different courses?

3) For Chemical and biomolecular engineering, is it very heavy on chemistry? like all the A level organic chem or H3 pharm chem kinda things? Or is it more geared towards physics cos im more interested in Physics than Chem.

4) I heard that many engineering grads will eventually swap over to finance or business side after awhile in an engineering job, or upon graduation. So would it be wise to take a second major in a business related course? Like is the workload in engineering courses already so much that a second major would be too much to handle?

5) Lastly, if you were to compare between NTU and NUS engineering, which one would be better? According to statistics, NUS has smaller intake for all their engineering courses and plus NUS doesnt seem like its concentrating on its school of engineering (?) cos its 'speciality' is like FASS, BizAd, law and med. Is that true? Like is the engineering school in NUS hence weaker in terms of industrial attachments, overseas linkups, quality of profs as compared to NTU? Or what is the main difference between the two schools that cause people to go for either one?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[BharatBenz]

According to statistics, NUS has smaller intake for all their engineering courses and plus NUS doesnt seem like its concentrating on its school of engineering (?) cos its 'speciality' is like FASS, BizAd, law and med. Is that true? Like is the engineering school in NUS hence weaker in terms of industrial attachments, overseas linkups, quality of profs as compared to NTU?

That is so far from the truth.
IMO, NUS has better industrial attachments, overseas linkups, quality of profs (especially the first two).
A smaller intake doesn't automatically mean it is inferior.
It can mean a better faculty-student ratio and more opportunities for everyone.

NUS has better industrial attachments because it has a larger alumni base to tap into and its engineering facutly was started much earlier, which means that it has been working with companies here for a longer time.

NUS has better and more overseas linkups because it has a better international reputation. Well-ranked overseas schools want to linkup with equally ranked schools. The NUS International Relations Office has been working on creating exchange and overseas opportunities for a much longer time than NTU. It was only recently that NTU started putting more effort into this area.

If you plan to swap over to finance or business side, and you plan to do finance/business industrial attachments too, definitely choose NUS.

 

[squeeish]

2) Would taking a general degree in say ME or EEE be better than like taking Aerospace Engineering or Bioengineering? Like in terms of how rigorous the course is, attachment opportunities, difficulty, ability to get first/second upper class honours etc? Like how is life in these different courses?

4) I heard that many engineering grads will eventually swap over to finance or business side after awhile in an engineering job, or upon graduation. So would it be wise to take a second major in a business related course? Like is the workload in engineering courses already so much that a second major would be too much to handle?

I'm from NTU Computer Engineering.

Imho, taking a general degree will mean that you might have to deal with modules that are totally not in your area of interest. Then again, they probably provide a good foundation and in your 2nd or 3rd year onwards they should allow you to specialise. NTU EEE is crazy work from what I've heard, lots of maths. NTU Computer Engineering has less maths.

Whether or not to take a Minor in Business/second major is totally up to you. The key is to plan your path well. I didn't do that and therefore achieved below my desired standards.

Also consider location. Travelling to NTU daily for me when I lost my hall residency was draining, even more so with today's public transport crowds. NUS is easier to travel to than NTU, that's for sure. But if you live in the west/own your own transport it should be fine to go NTU.

BTW, work like crazy for the first semester to set your GPA as high as you can. Because if you want to pull up your GPA after that, it will be hard.

 

[Apple_Ice]

Hi,

I am currently interested in applying for a course in Engineering, but i have some questions that i hope seniors here would be able to answer! I took A levels and my results are probably good enough to enter any of the engineering courses i think, but have some doubts!

1) For Bioengineering, are there alot of job opportunities upon graduation? When i went for the open house, they showed that employment after graduation for this course has been falling, now at 75% if im not wrong. So why is this so?

2) Would taking a general degree in say ME or EEE be better than like taking Aerospace Engineering or Bioengineering? Like in terms of how rigorous the course is, attachment opportunities, difficulty, ability to get first/second upper class honours etc? Like how is life in these different courses?

3) For Chemical and biomolecular engineering, is it very heavy on chemistry? like all the A level organic chem or H3 pharm chem kinda things? Or is it more geared towards physics cos im more interested in Physics than Chem.

4) I heard that many engineering grads will eventually swap over to finance or business side after awhile in an engineering job, or upon graduation. So would it be wise to take a second major in a business related course? Like is the workload in engineering courses already so much that a second major would be too much to handle?

5) Lastly, if you were to compare between NTU and NUS engineering, which one would be better? According to statistics, NUS has smaller intake for all their engineering courses and plus NUS doesnt seem like its concentrating on its school of engineering (?) cos its 'speciality' is like FASS, BizAd, law and med. Is that true? Like is the engineering school in NUS hence weaker in terms of industrial attachments, overseas linkups, quality of profs as compared to NTU? Or what is the main difference between the two schools that cause people to go for either one?

Thanks in advance!!

(1) For bioengineering, opportunities are limited because the life science industry is not that rosy. Furthermore, there will be hundreds of life science/ bio students fighting for the already limited positions. Due to changes in chemical engineering course, chem eng students now take a lot of biomolecular/phama modules as well. You expect fierce competition from them if you are looking to join companies like GSK/Abbott.

(2) Having been through 4 years of studies, I can conclude that all courses are equally as difficult in terms of content. What is difficult is the people and environment. For example, in aerospace you see straight As students. To get a 1st class means you gotta be smarter and score higher than all of them. Life is not going to be easy dude.

(3) Contrary to popular beliefs, chemical engineering got nothing to do with chemistry. Chemical engineering is about thermodynamics, mass and energy transfer. And to your preference, many people thought they love a subject until they majored in it in university. You will feel the same.

(4) A 2nd major does not provide much help to get you into a bank if you are looking to join Citigroup or Goldman. It's about your honours and CCA achievements. E.g. Chairperson of some clubs etc. I would advise you to get a good honour with outstanding CCA. Meanwhile just catch up on some finance news on the bus.

(5) Forget about the quality of teaching, profs etc. You are in Singapore, everything also about same same one. As for industrial ties, even if stronger also not much help. Basically MNCs nowadays come to all the 3 universities to advertise and everyone go through the same stages (interview, AC, Physco etc). The fact is that you get a 2nd lower, even if NUS own the company you also cannot get in one. Unless you aspire to join some SMEs maybe industrial ties help. I would say go for the brand name. That's the only reason.

 

[Jayjay1233]

What about civil engineering? Is it better in ntu or nus? And job prospects part, do u think singapore will require demand for local civil engineers in the next few years?

 

[FrostWurm]

(4) A 2nd major does not provide much help to get you into a bank if you are looking to join Citigroup or Goldman. It's about your honours and CCA achievements. E.g. Chairperson of some clubs etc. I would advise you to get a good honour with outstanding CCA. Meanwhile just catch up on some finance news on the bus.

Banks only require a second upper. Their preference is for relevant internship experience over academic results. Contrary to popular belief, CCAs are not that important because there are simply too many candidates who were either the president/vice-president/hon-gen/some director in a club.

Unless your CCA is really outstanding such as leading a big social enterprise, most financial institutions couldn't really care less whether you organised a blood-donation drive in school or managed to raise some funds for your hall DnD.

And if your first major is not in finance/accounting, it would be wise to have it as a second one. At least you can understand basic concepts like the time value of money, CAPM, and make sense of financial ratios, among others. You will definitely impress your interviewers especially if your major is in engine instead of finance.

 

[dIn088]

Hmm.... I agree with Apple_Ice, most of what he/she said is true.

Personally, I feel you should take a course that you are really interested in. You say you are interested in physics, why don't you consider mechanical engineering in NTU? There aren't a lot of A's students in that course, it's easier to score, with enough hard work of coz.

(4) If you can cope with a double major in business and engineering, then yeah, but it ain't gonna be easy mind you. Companies look at GPA first, so even if you are a double major but your GPA is below 4.0/5.0, it's hard getting noticed. If you are interested in working in banks, it would be wise to source for internships during your semester holidays.

(5) After almost 4 years in EEE NTU, I can conclude the quality of teaching in my faculty SUCKS BIG TIME. The professors can't seem to be bothered to teach. Sure there are a few, but majority of them can't even speak proper English. I'm not sure about other engineering schools nor can I say anything about Engineering in NUS, but in NTU EEE, it is really bad... If you really are hell bent in studying engineering in NTU, be prepared to be very much independent. At most, the professors are 10% helpful, most are too busy with their research. Study hard to get at least 4.0, only then will opportunities rise.

But I did learn a lot from studying in NTU EEE, non-academic stuff of coz, haha. First and the most obvious is being independent. Secondly, I met alot of 'zai' people from my faculty, mostly foreigners, it's quite an interesting experience working from people of different countries, (China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines) Finally, I learned to study smart. It was my first time in my whole education life, I actually had to write notes and memory cards, just to keep up with my peers and my numerous activities.

Coming from a final year student in NTU EEE. All the best.

 

[dIn088]

oh, I forgot to add Computer engineering too. Quite a number of companies want computer science/engineers.

 

[SpinFire]

IMHO, there's no point going into specialized courses unless you are very, very certain you want to work in that specialized field in the future. (E.g. Study Biochem to get into companies like Amgen, GSK, or Computer Eng to get a programing job at banks/MNCs). It's because of these specialized courses are more competitive and have the false prestige. Mech Eng will get you into these companies as well, but doing the more general engineering roles.

I'd rather study a more general course like Mech Eng, and take on a leadership position in a CCA. You'll be much more employable to MNCs like Shell/Exxon/P&G/Unilever than those with excellent results but zero CCA records. 2nd Upper+CCA > 1st Class. Of course, if you're a brilliant person, by all means do well in Chem/Aero engineering and have excellent CCA records.

True story.

 

[-Wanderer-]

Personally, I feel you should take a course that you are really interested in. You say you are interested in physics, why don't you consider mechanical engineering in NTU? There aren't a lot of A's students in that course, it's easier to score, with enough hard work of coz.

Coming from a final year mech student, how can you compare and say it is easier to score when you have not even experienced the other side of the grass field. Just saying.

 

[-Wanderer-]

What about civil engineering? Is it better in ntu or nus? And job prospects part, do u think singapore will require demand for local civil engineers in the next few years?

Yes, with all the major upcoming constructions for new MRT lines and BTOs for young couples. I believe civil eng grads will be in great demand.

 

[DouBleB]

what dIn088 said was true, EEE prof cant teach well must self study at times the notes also no very clear need to google online or read up books... not easy course compared to MAE... think twice before coming to EEE if that is your consideration...

FOr MAE, consult Wanderer

 

[nitokit]

What about civil engineering? Is it better in ntu or nus? And job prospects part, do u think singapore will require demand for local civil engineers in the next few years?

Coming from ntu civil, I would say some of my civil prof are really great, so I would definitely recommend it.

(Since I've not attended any civil eng classes in NUS, I won't do any bias comparisons)

 

[ALVAINPANG]

I graduated from NTU Mechanical Engineering (Mechatronics) in 2008. After so long, it does not matter which course you are from. It is a matter of what you want to do in future. Alot from my batch are eventually not doing engineering work yet they are doing pretty well.

You might not know what you want until you are in the open sea and you will soon realise that your opinion of what you wanted to do will change over time.

If I were you, I will choose the course I am most confident to get the best results for my entry to somewhere as a stepping stone.

 

[siandiao]

actually NTU EEE is easy. The problem is what some have stated: that there are a number of profs that really dunno how to teach. As such, going to their lectures, in my opinion, actually confounds your knowledge. What one shud do is just to study on their own - read the slides (those slides are usually prepared by other rather zai profs from a long time ago, just that those lecturers just keep on reusing and reusing), Google around for further knowledge.

and in all honesty, CCA is of secondary importance to most companies. Ultimately, those companies want to see your honours; if you don't meet their honours req, ur CV's in the bin. Yet, u must do some CCA activity.

So, do some CCA. but don't follow my footsteps and over commit to CCA until I neglected my technical skills

 

[DouBleB]

Among all engineering, EEE is the most challenging and difficult..

 

[wahakuy]

I think you should choose a program that will interest you. So you can sustain your interest and achieve better grades. First class/Second upper is the key. HR department of companies will use your grades as the first cut to eliminate the hiring pool. I've seen a Second Lower honors graduate in Shell before. I used "A", singular. He had 3 different internships, and probably able to speak at lengths about his experiences and impress the hirers, i guess.

Don't go for the "atas" courses, just cause they are seen to be more elite, like Chemical Engineering/Aerospace Engineering/Business. At the end, would you be able to score with such competition, do you have the natural talent to keep up with the best? Do what you are good at, you will naturally float to the top.

Also join case competitions, from year 1, its okay if you don't win, learn from the best, gain internship to different companies so you have more exposures.

Apple Ice said that all engineering are equal in difficulty, well i think they are all equally easy, they are "undergraduate" courses, simplest difficulty (Followed by Master level courses then, PhD) there is in the University. Depends on your ability to grasp the concept and use it!

Regarding the comments on Teaching sucks in University, your grades will not depend on the Professor's teaching ability. It depends on your ability to learn/understand. If you do not understand, 1) Ask the Professor (they will be marking your exam scripts, their answer is the best), 2) Ask Seniors/TAs/Classmates. Be proactive in studying/learning. You learn how to learn here.

Personally, i think the teaching of the professors are okay, sure, they can improve, but we're spoonfed a lot. I've been on overseas exchange before, they do not give lecture notes/handouts. Students are supposed to buy the books and study. Not depend on lecture notes. Singaporean students are spoiled.

Regarding Foreign Exchange tie ups, i don't think that will matter to you, unless your dream is to do a semester in Harvard Yale Princeton Standard MIT Cambridge Oxford, otherwise i think both universities in Singapore are equally good. The question should be: Are you going on exchange so you can say you've attended so and so school before ? That was not my intention when i went on exchange. My intention was to have as much fun as possible while clearing as much credits as possible. The system, at least during my time, was set up such that you have no incentive to score As, you get a Pass, so long you pass. So heres a test of your ability to be a good engineer, in that situation, do you do your best to score an A? Or do you have as much fun as possible while just scraping through ? Here, you learn to optimize your time/rewards.

Regarding internships, i've never heard a gap between NTU/NUS. Maybe SMU, because they have strong tieups with the banks or good training for their students, their graduates tend to secure plump positions for themselves. I'd say the opportunities are about equal, it comes down to yourself, and whether the company would want to give you a chance.

 

[-Wanderer-]

I think you should choose a program that will interest you. So you can sustain your interest and achieve better grades. First class/Second upper is the key. HR department of companies will use your grades as the first cut to eliminate the hiring pool. I've seen a Second Lower honors graduate in Shell before. I used "A", singular. He had 3 different internships, and probably able to speak at lengths about his experiences and impress the hirers, i guess.

Don't go for the "atas" courses, just cause they are seen to be more elite, like Chemical Engineering/Aerospace Engineering/Business. At the end, would you be able to score with such competition, do you have the natural talent to keep up with the best? Do what you are good at, you will naturally float to the top.

Also join case competitions, from year 1, its okay if you don't win, learn from the best, gain internship to different companies so you have more exposures.

Apple Ice said that all engineering are equal in difficulty, well i think they are all equally easy, they are "undergraduate" courses, simplest difficulty (Followed by Master level courses then, PhD) there is in the University. Depends on your ability to grasp the concept and use it!

Regarding the comments on Teaching sucks in University, your grades will not depend on the Professor's teaching ability. It depends on your ability to learn/understand. If you do not understand, 1) Ask the Professor (they will be marking your exam scripts, their answer is the best), 2) Ask Seniors/TAs/Classmates. Be proactive in studying/learning. You learn how to learn here.

Personally, i think the teaching of the professors are okay, sure, they can improve, but we're spoonfed a lot. I've been on overseas exchange before, they do not give lecture notes/handouts. Students are supposed to buy the books and study. Not depend on lecture notes. Singaporean students are spoiled.

Regarding Foreign Exchange tie ups, i don't think that will matter to you, unless your dream is to do a semester in Harvard Yale Princeton Standard MIT Cambridge Oxford, otherwise i think both universities in Singapore are equally good. The question should be: Are you going on exchange so you can say you've attended so and so school before ? That was not my intention when i went on exchange. My intention was to have as much fun as possible while clearing as much credits as possible. The system, at least during my time, was set up such that you have no incentive to score As, you get a Pass, so long you pass. So heres a test of your ability to be a good engineer, in that situation, do you do your best to score an A? Or do you have as much fun as possible while just scraping through ? Here, you learn to optimize your time/rewards.

Regarding internships, i've never heard a gap between NTU/NUS. Maybe SMU, because they have strong tieups with the banks or good training for their students, their graduates tend to secure plump positions for themselves. I'd say the opportunities are about equal, it comes down to yourself, and whether the company would want to give you a chance.

Ups for wahakuy! First time hear him speak in such a mature manner.

 

[siandiao]

Among all engineering, EEE is the most challenging and difficult..

like I mentioned, it's perceived to be difficult becoz the cui lecturers confuses in lectures. Add the fact that most students can't critically think, i.e. expect to be spoonfed with materials in lectures, henceforth students get confused when going lectures, henceforth why EEE seemed to be challenging.

But it's really an easy course

 

[nitokit]

First class/Second upper is the key. HR department of companies will use your grades as the first cut to eliminate the hiring pool. I've seen a Second Lower honors graduate in Shell before. I used "A", singular. He had 3 different internships, and probably able to speak at lengths about his experiences and impress the hirers, i guess.

THIS makes me emo :'(