Mechatronic engineering vs radiography

Bella

I’m deciding between engineering and radiography as my first preference(at Monash)

Anyone who have any experience in either course or insights would be greatly appreciated 🙂

jinx_58

Bella
What are the reasons for you choosing either? Do you have a pros or cons list?

I do Computer and Software engineering, and have a few friends who do mechatronics (we're all in our first year btw, and NOT at Monash), so feel free to chuck any engineering-related questions.

I think @beep_boop specialises in medical imaging, so they might have some sort of a perspective on radiography? Idk tho.

-jinx_58

wingdings2791

Bella

Current 2nd year in Monash radiography + medical imaging here.

Similar to what beep_boop has said, you would probably enjoy radiography if you a) enjoy patient interaction but also like mostly working on your own, b) can shoulder through the high workload, and most of all c) enjoy study in many different fields and combining them to applications in real clinical settings.

My experience with the course so far:

The course content VERY heavily leans on human anatomy/physiology/pathology, as well as physics (how the X-ray machines work, image processing, radiation phys mostly). There will also be a bit of patient care/communication study involved.
Repeating beep boop's wise words, if you like the field, it's not easy to get bored in medical imaging. Many different modalities like CT and MRI, which are super different in work style than gen X-ray (although you will mostly study generals for year 1-2). Placements/the job themselves also involve a LOT of walking around, being on the move, and also visiting different wards/departments.
While studying, you'll be able to kind of tell whether medical imaging is a career you will enjoy. Getting to try everything out firsthand (both in labs and on placement) is not super common and I think something we are pretty fortunate to have.
It sets you up really well for working as a radiographer. A lot of graduates I've spoken to say that they feel fairly comfortable going in, since you'll have almost a year worth of placement experience under your belt!
Quite high workload with a lot of contact hours in first year. There will be placements every semester, which can also mean slightly shorter holidays/less time at uni.
However, I would probably describe the academic semesters not as being shorter, but more condensed. The material isn't particularly difficult but there is a copious amount of it to get through.
Assessment-wise, there are usually a couple exams (closed book and usually in-person) and sometimes roleplay assessments as well.

Hope this gives a bit of insight! Happy to answer any questions too 🙂

zarqnoor

jinx_58

hi!! im planning on doing either computer science or software engineering at monash and was wondering if you could give some insight on the 2 courses? is the course enjoyable, how are the assessments like? and do you need to have a programing background or be passionate about it in order to do well?

jinx_58

zarqnoor
At QUT specifically, one thing to keep in mind that the major itself isn't specialising in software; you learn both hardware and software, then you specialise in software if you wanna. Another thing is engineering is a 4-year degree; comp sci is 3 years (depending on the university). After a quick google search, this is what I found: "A computer science degree emphasizes computation theory and a wider range of subjects, including coding, algorithms, machine learning, database management, and information security. Software engineering courses delve into the mathematical knowledge professionals need to build computer software."

Mind you, I've met people who've switched from computer science to computer and software engineering and the other way around too.

In Engineering, basic programming skills are essential in the workforce, regardless whether you're majoring in mechanical, computer software or civil. That being said, I had very little python experience in year 10, and managed to finish with a 7 in my coding subject last semester.

I personally love the course so far, because it's really interesting pulling things apart and figuring out what each component does, especially in hardware. I've always loved examining the insides of electronics as a kid and rn, it feels like a dream come true. If you do plan on doing either course, I suggest you pick up some hardware skills (like breadboarding, you can also buy arduino kits from Jaycar) because they'll really come in clutch throughout uni. I feel to an extent you need to be passionate about what you're doing to stay motivated.

Assessment wise, it really depends on the subject. For example, for my electrical engineering subject, we learn hardware components and how it links to theory. For that we have a final exam, fortnightly pracs and forntightly assessed quizzes. For my math subject, we have 2 assignments and a final exam. For my coding subject, we have a small 20% assignment, a big 50% assignment and a 50% exam. And then I have a cyber security subject which has 1 big assignment with 3 parts and a final exam.

Feel free to shoot more questions!
-jinx_58

TnGn74

You do not need a programming background (although one would definitely be helpful) since they teach you to code in first year. If you are passionate then of course you are more likely to do well.

If you know you want to do a FIT degree and are not considering any other engineering specialisation then I would definitely go with CS since with software engineering it is a year longer without any real career benefit and has a common first year with subjects that you might not be interested in if you are set on software.

beep_boop

Thanks @jinx_58 for the mention!
Idk much abt monash, but I can defs give some insight into this course.

So medical imaging and radiography are the same. It's js different wording.

Before you go into radiography, there are some things you need to consider.

Do you like working with people? I know this sounds obs but radiography is a healthcare job and you'll be meeting very sick patients.
Do you like maths and physics? Ik that engineering has the whole shebang but this field is very specialised physics and you'll need to operate machinery and knowing what's behind it is very important.
Are you prepared to go on placement and pay for costs? The uni expects you to pay for everything yourself from daily costs and accommodation if you are placed somewhere like interstate for example.

Pros:

Radiography is a very very progressive field. There is always new equipment and machinery coming out along with research and data. So something that you do this year might be very different in 5 or so years.
There is something new everything from patients and right down to the equipment it itself, you could be rostered in CT, MRI or even general x-ray. So there shouldn't be a reason to get bored.

I hope this offered some insight radiography and don't hesitate if you have any more questions.

Peace,
beep boop