Walking into my first Mech 358 (Math) class and having Dr. Homsy review first-order differential equations, reminded me of being in the deep end of a pool with a big cement block tied to my feet (aka not all that fun).

After being away on co-op for 8 months, getting back into school was not as hard as I thought it was going to be. However, trying to recall material from the first semester of Mech2 was WAY harder than expected. Thankfully after much searching, I found all my old Mech2 notes and not only my notes but the most valuable study tools I make for myself… Review Guides! These are short summaries or concepts, formulas etc… that basically stimulate my knowledge of the topics and in this case were my lovely lifesavers in helping my remember homogeneous equations, particular solutions, and MUC and saving me from the cement block around my feet. Oh glorious MUC!

Basically, I can not stress how important it is to keep your notes for reference further down the road. Whether it is for your future classes or even to help a friend in a lower year, they are invaluable lifesavers.

In addition to being busy reviewing topics from Mech2, I am busy with planning the Thunderbots trip to Robocup 2012 which is being held in Mexico City this year, planning a workshop for an event E-team is holding Jan. 26th called Design in Engineering, applying for co-op positions for this summer, and a variety of exciting tri-mentoring events!

Example of one of my Thermo Lifesavers

As Christmas break comes closer, so does my last day working at Evasc. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 4-months working there with a lot of former UBC Mechs. Some of my tasks included:

• Writing protocols and test methods for testing of products
• Designing test jigs
• Helping with manufacturing
• Receiving and ordering parts

One of the aspects of the job and biomedical industry I have found interesting is the added problem solving needed to deal with the factors that are put into place due to the nature of the products. If something is going into your body, you want it to be compatible with your body and really really clean, right? Radioactive dirt does not sound all that appetizing. This adds another variable into the design of the products. For example, you may have to keep the device very small so it can be delivered into the body yet the right size to serve its purpose successfully. In this particular instance, really cool materials come into play!

This co-op job has also allowed me to use things I learned in Mech2! It is always exciting to know that material you learn is applicable to the “real” world. Particular things that come to mind are Apsci 201 I did a LOT of technical writing, Mech220 Machining, 3D modeling (if you have the opportunity or time…learn it! Whether it is through a student team or over christmas break. Maybe a Solidworks model of your Christmas tree or potential snow fort…?), and Materials to name a few.

As Mech2 Part 1 draws to a close for some of you, CONGRATS! Technically, you are almost halfway done. However, I would say Part 1 & 2 are hardly equivalent. I will be recalling some things that helped me survive in hopes that remembering my studying methods will help ease me back into school after being off for 8 months!

Good luck with finals and have a great Christmas Break!

Everyone gets into the spirit this time of year!

Hey, mid-Movember when did you get here? It is surprising how the time sneaks up on you when there aren’t milestones like midterms and project due dates to focus on!

I am currently on my second-term of my co-op work placement and will be starting my 3rd year of Biomedical Mech in January. I worked for an oil and gas company, Devon Energy, this summer and am presently working for a company called Evasc Medical Systems. I will be talking about some of my favourite things (cue music) and learning experiences while on the jobs and in industry!

One of my favourite things is having a plan. Whether it is a Mech 223 gantt chart (shout out to all you Mech2’s) or personal roadmap, I like being able to see where I am going and what needs to be done to get there. When I first started in engineering, there was no such plan. It was rather bewildering and felt like jumping off a diving board (another of my favourite things) and not knowing what to do in the air. I do remember one of the events that helped develop this pathway I am presently on, and it is coming up this weekend. The Engineering Open House! Not only does it continuously open my eyes to the amazing projects fellow students are working on, but it also allows me to provide information to those facing the “scary and big decision” of specializing whether they are in high school, 1st year or beyond.

No matter what stage of your schooling you are in, I highly recommend attending the Engineering Open House. It will be Saturday Nov. 26th from 9am to 4pm in Kaiser. Be prepared to see some awesome engineering. Bring questions and an arm for free swag (always a good thing) and come check out innovative projects, informative booths and student teams.

If you need something to shake out those mid-Movember blues, here is a project one of my co-workers, Jonathan Tippet, worked on. Imagine the pure thrill of being able to operate that spider and be one with that engineering masterpiece. Amazing!

Are you scared of a Mondo Spider?