Journal of ESA 244 : Aerodynamics 1

No.1, 2013

Introduction

Ahmad Shaqeer Bin Mohd. Thaheer

ashaqeer@gmail.com
Abstract
This journal is about the reason why I choose Aerospace Engineering, my hopes and my learning
experience in USM. I want to be a theoretical physicist, explaining the behavior of the universe and one
of the scientists that confirms string theory. Learning in USM is really interesting because it focuses more
on exam instead of practical work like other universities.
Keywords: Aerospace, astrophysics, physics, string theory, aircraft
To be truth, Aerospace Engineering is not my main plan for my future. I actually really interested
in theoretical physics and astrophysics. Since Malaysia does not provide a course for theoretical physics
and astrophysics, thus, I have to choose aerospace engineering because it is the closest I can get to
astrophysics. So, what I my dream is to be able to combine theoretical physics and astrophysics so that
the universe can be more understand futher. If I am not mistaken, the universe that we know nowadays
is only 2% of the overall universe. Is it amazing?.
The reason why I like theoretical physics is because it deals on the behavior of atom and as we
know atom have dual-nature which is, it moves as a particle and as a wave. Thus theoretical physics is
like the heart of physics. I really envy the work of Sir Albert Einstein (theory of relativity), Paul Dirac
(anti-matter), Erwin Schrodinger (Wave Equation) and others. What really fascinated me when it creates
a board of physicist where all the top physicist get together including Neils Bohr, Marie Curie and others
called the Solvay Conference. In the Solvay Conference, all the physicist discuss about the generalization
of classical physics and came out with a new type of physics called quantum physics.
So what has to do with astrophysics?. Well, astrophysics is about study of stars. But not only
that, in my opinion, it is the study on how the universe works. Did you know that there are 2 theories
that can explain the behavior of universe which is the string theory and loop quantum gravity but most
scientists prefer the string theory and it has not been proven yet. The string theory is called the theory
of everything where it combines all the theory in physics including gravity. A theoretical physicists
named Michio Kaku explains about what is string theory, he said:
The standard model of atom only described 4% of the matter energy content of the universe.
Just 4%. Dark matter makes up 23%. Dark energy makes up 73%. So a huge chunk of the universes is
missing. Thats why some of us like me believe there is something called string theory. String theory, the
standard model including the Higgs boson is nothing like the lowest octave of a vibrating string and dark
matter which makes up 23% of the universe is nothing but like the next vibration up, the next octave of
the string and then dark energy takes place when you break the cemeteries of the superstring. So string
theory is only the game in town which has the ability to be really a true theory of everything.

Journal of ESA 244 : Aerodynamics 2

No.1, 2013
I prefer to list down my dream of instead of writing it in essay. The list starts with
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Obtain PhD. In Aerospace Engineering

Obtain a masters or PhD. In Theoretical physics and Astrophysics
Work with NASA
Research on string theory
Win Nobel Prize

In USM, the learning experience is really different from matriculation and school. We do a lot of
assignments and project throughout the year. Plus, I can get to use CAD software and do a programming
which is I really do not know before I came to USM. But one thing that really surprise me is that USM is
exam based which means that the ability of student is based on exam not its practical work or skills.
Since we are at engineering campus, the study should be more on practical work. A lot of new
knowledge I get to learn in USM such as calculus, statics, fluid mechanics, CATIA and others. It quite an
experience studying in USM.
In addition, for the first time I am in the attachment program with the aircraft manufacturing
company under stress & design department. There I can see most of the time the engineer sat doing
their job in front of the computer. Some of them work 24 hour to catch the deadline that company such
as Airbus and Boeing already set for them. One the engineers said to me,
It is very good that you came to train as a trainee in our company. It gives you an early
exposure on how aircraft industries work. When you graduated, make sure you choose a job that you
really love to do, so that you dont feel that it is such as waste of time and one more thing, always keep
checking on market demand so that you can get places in the industries

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. They are Work, Family,
Health and Spirit and youre keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a
rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four Balls Family, Health, Friends and
Spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked,
damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for it.
Work efficiently during office hours and leave on time. Give the required time to your family, friends &
have proper rest.
Value has a value only if its value is valued
Coca Colas Former CEO, Bryan Dyson