| Dwarf galaxies gobbled by giants Astronomers spot the tell-tale signs of so-called "dwarf galaxies" being digested by much bigger spiral galaxies. bbc.co.uk |
Calif. utility stumbles on 1.4M years old fossils By GILLIAN FLACCUS 2010-09-21T13:38:01ZRIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) -- A utility company preparing to build a new substation in an arid canyon southeast of Los Angeles has stumbled on a trove of animal fossils dating back 1.4 million years that researchers say will fill in blanks in Southern California's history.... hosted.ap.org |
What to do with a degree in mechanical engineering From aerospace to petroleum, many sectors welcome mechanical engineering granduates with open armsA degree in mechanical engineering can take you a long way – a fact to which the likes of film-maker Alfred Hitchcock and automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche can testify. Porsche (unlike Hitchcock) did not gain a degree in the subject. He sneaked into undergraduate classes at the Technical University in Vienna at the end of the 19th century, where he picked up some of the mechanical engineering expertise he needed to design the distinctive and much-coveted sports car that takes his name as well as the humbler Volkswagen Beetle. For those who take the more traditional route, a degree in mechanical engineering can open doors to a wide range of sectors. Of all the engineering disciplines, it is considered the most diverse, combining maths, technology, business and management, making graduates highly sought after. Indeed, 60% of mechanical engineering students went straight into jobs after graduating in 2009.More than half take up roles in the engineering industry but a handful go into other areas such as the public sector (7.6%) or business (3.8%).What skills have you gained?Your degree will have given you a thorough grounding in engineering principles, but you will also have gained a number of transferable skills, including an ability to solve problems using both logic and creative approaches; numeracy; analytical skills; an ability to prioritise and work to deadlines; and good communication skills.Most courses have a strong focus on projects with direct relevance to the industry and offer practical experience through work placements.What jobs can you do?"Mechanical engineering graduates are, unsurprisingly, sought for contracting or consulting roles on the design, implementation, operation and maintenance of equipment and machinery in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, petroleum, pharmaceutical, mining energy and water," says Margaret Holbrough, careers adviser at Graduate Prospects.But a degree in mechanical engineering opens up opportunities in other areas."A less usual career is that of a patent agent – researching, examining and assessing applications for patents that will protect the intellectual property rights of individuals and organisations," Holbrough says. "Careers in IT, finance and management are also possible for graduates with an interest in business and commerce."Opportunities to work abroad also exist, with 2.35% of 2009 graduates choosing this option.Postgraduate studyMany mechanical engineering students enrol on to an MEng programme, which is an integrated four-year master's course. However, nearly 14% of mechanical engineering graduates go on to study further degrees. These can include an MSc or PhD in a specialist area such as space and astronautics, nuclear or offshore engineering.Data supplied by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit and Graduate Prospects Graduate careersWork & careersMechanical engineeringSpaceguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Rescuers rubbish native pet push Animal rescue organisation Wildcare has dismissed suggestions native animals could be kept as pets. abc.net.au |
Video: The Natural History Museum launches a new interactive film on evolution Extinct creatures are brought back to life in an interactive film at the Natural History MuseumAndy Duckworth guardian.co.uk |