Halfway Done

So it's Christmas break, and perhaps time to reflect on the passing of the Fall 2008 semester.

I suppose the most significant development is that I am now halfway done with Mines. Five semesters down… Five to go… I’ve already blogged about the first four semesters, so here is the breakdown of the fifth (which I feel pretty good about):

Multidisciplinary Engineering Lab II, B: Only worth 1.5 credits despite the 3hours in class per week. We looked at flows and strengths. I didn’t really like a few of my lab partners, oh well. MEL 3 is more open ended with longer labs, and should go better than MEL 2. Interestingly enough, MEL 3 meets for the same amount of time as MEL 2 but is only worth 1 credit.

Thermodynamics I, B: I really really disliked the prof. The first day in class I noted and dated my dislike for him. Looking back I did learn more than I thought I would, but still believe he is one of the worst Profs at Mines. Good thing I signed up for his Heat Transfer class.

Information Systems Science, A: We looked at signal processing, MATLAB, and a few transforms (Fourier, Laplace, Z). This class doesn't really apply to my major but I did the work and got an A. This course is 388 and he often referenced 307 in class, so I'll get to see what I missed out in Feedback Controls next semester.

Computer-Aided Engineering, A: Finite element analysis through CosmosWorks (and a bit on MathCad). A very enjoyable class, I felt the workload was pretty appropriate and I learned a lot. I'm unsure how much Machine Design plays off of this knowledge, but we shall see.

Engineering Cultures in the Developing World, A: My 400-level writing intensive English class. Everyone at Mines has to take one (I wish you the best of luck Curtis). Originally, I wasn't doing very well on the papers and received a 55% on the midterm exam which represented 20% of the final grade. After a couple weeks I went into his office with the intent of begging for a C. He clearly laid out what I had to do in the remainder of the class for a B, which seemed reasonable, so I was quite happy. Then I spent roughly 30hours spread over three days writing the final paper and magically got an A. As far as course material goes, we studied the history of engineering education in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil.

Physics III - Modern Physics, A: I signed up for this class to fill a free elective knowing that it was required for Nuclear Engineers (back when I wasn't sure about what I wanted to study). And looking back I'm pretty happy with what I'm taking away from the class. It baffled many in the class that I would intentionally take Physics as an elective. Specific topics of study can be found: http://inside.mines.edu/Academic/courses/physics/phgn300/

Well, I think that's all the classes I took. Additionally, I continued working as a barista throughout the semester. Over an 8 hour shift tips could range from $5-12 mostly due to the very low work load. Usually I did Physics with 'Phys Girl' which often resulted in awkward hilarity when my MEL team scheduled a meeting or anyone else stopped by my office.

I think that the house I lived in this semester is named 'CasaBlanca' but I'm not totally sure about that. I really enjoyed the house and didn't mind the twice a day walk to school at all. Members of the Casa include:

Curtis: Who I believe is seeking new residence for Fall 2009. He often sought solitude from other members of the house. He probably cleaned more of the house / dishes than any other resident. Additionally, he went home to Longmont a few times per month. I haven't talked to him in months so I know very little about how he feels. I recently was informed that he now wants to get out of school ASAP and find a job. Last year living in the dorms he was all about grad school and taking that to Ph.D. I guess something this semester broke him.

Ian: Generally easy going, performs well in school, paintball aficionado, seriously religions, and stuff... I feel I should write more here because he will likely read this someday. Hum... Ah! He often takes on RockBand difficulties that are above his level... Idk...

Jeff: Looking into studying abroad Fall 2009 in Japan. I still see a younger version of myself acting similarly to this kid. Although, if Ian didn't get anything meaningful, then I won't go further into this.

Jon: I've heard some discouraging news about him staying at Mines. So we shall see how things play out. He's very likeable and pretty decent at the bar-game it would be sad to see him head in a different direction.

Ryan: He already has a well paying job, and as long as no bubbles burst he'll be employed as long as he wants. Does well in school, and is (still) liked by all. I believe he's just going for an EE B.A. which he may get as soon as May 2010.

Me: (see rest of post) for some reason the morning of December 22nd I don't find myself very introspective... Oh well...

Well, none of those were remarkably personal, but frankly I don't know the people I live with terribly well.

Back to the topic of semesters at Mines, here is how I see the next five going:
Spring 2009: This will not be an easy one: Heat Transfer, Machine Design, Intro to Feedback Control Systems, Introduction to Logic, Multidisciplinary Engineering Lab III, and I'm currently enrolled in, but will likely drop, Macroeconomics. This will take care of almost all of my requirements for graduation, although Mines really doesn't want kids graduating early so they add the year long 'Senior Design'.

Fall 2009: Senior Design, Nuclear Physics, along with a few electives possibly working toward a minor, possibly in math. This should be a somewhat relaxing semester (I get through everyday at Mines telling myself this lie.) I find it pretty cool that the class is simply called: Nuclear Physics. "Oh, I'm to go learn NUCLEAR PHYSICS, I'll be back in an hour or so..."

Spring 2010: Senior Design, Reactor Physics (grad level class), Radiation Detection and Measurement (grad level class), perhaps finish up the minor. Followed by the all important... Graduation! The rumors go that Phillip will also graduate Sp2010, and there are probably a few others in my immediate family that will also graduate.

Fall 2010: Grad School: (not all but some of) Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering of Nuclear Materials, Radioactive Materials Management, Reactor Design, Public Policy and Licensing. And I don't think that I have to take the GRE going from Mines to Mines Grad.

Spring 2011: Grad School: The rest. Followed by the all important... Graduation with Masters! For more info on the program check out: http://www.mines.edu/Nuclear_GS

WTF am I thinking?
The prospects for nuclear engineering in the US aren't amazing, and most of the positions available require a B.S. to be the janitor, and a Ph.D. to be taken seriously. So, more school may be in my future, probably not at Mines.

Break is very relaxing so far, I think I've nursed myself back to health after a semester of frozen dinners and PB&J. It seems X-Mas is upon us, and I'm not feeling much tension from anyone, but I believe most people haven't even thought about it yet. I haven't started shopping yet... oops.

The day after Christmas Phillip, Matthew, Dad, Geri, and I are flying out to Pennsylvania for a wedding, it should be fun. One of my cousins is quite good at GH3, so I'll have a good time. Let’s see... New Years, no plans, perhaps party perhaps not. School starts January 7th, oh yay.

Hum, I've also been working with Ian recently on a SolidWorks modeling project, but I signed a NDA so I can't talk about it (Saying that makes me happy in a very childish way).

I do hope you loyal blog reader(s) will be able to keep up with two posts within a few days of each other. Also, I thank those who have commented. I enjoy the comments / responding to them.

Peace -- Michael