What Is Engineering? Engineering is an art of applying science to the optimum conversion of the resources of nature to the uses of humankind. It is based principally on physics, chemistry, and mathematics and their extensions into materials science, solid and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, transfer and rate processes, and systems analysis. It is thus we must define Engineering: "the practical application of science and math to commerce or industry". In other words "the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems".
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Engineering?
The work of engineers touches almost everyone every day through food production, housing, transportation, communications, military security, energy supply, water supply, waste disposal, environmental management, health care, even education and entertainment. Technology is more than hardware and silicon chips.
In propelling change and altering our belief systems and culture, technology has joined religion, tradition, and family in the scope of its influence. Its enhancements of human muscle and human mind are self-evident. But technology is also a social amplifier. It stretches the range, volume, and speed of communications. It inflates appetites for consumer goods and creature comforts. It tends to concentrate wealth and power, and to increase the disparity of rich and poor. In the competition for scarce resources, it breeds conflicts.
In social-psychological terms, it alters our perceptions of space. Events anywhere on the globe now have immediate repercussions everywhere, with a portfolio of tragedies that ignite feelings of helplessness. Technology has also skewed our perception of time, nourishing a desire for speed and instant gratification and ignoring long-term impacts.
What is the Difference between "Engineering" and "Technology"?
Generally both of the words "Engineering" and "Technology" used alternatively or together to point the same thing. Though we mean both are same, there are definitive differences between Engineering and Technology.
Engineering is the application of objective knowledge to the creation of plans, designs, and means for achieving desired objectives.
Technology deals with the tools and techniques for carrying out the plans, knowledge and experience. Technology scatters to different scientific fields and "Engineering Technology" is one among them.
Why do we think engineering is important to the way we live?
Engineering has an impact on every aspect of our lives. For example, without engineers we wouldn’t have clean water piped directly to our homes, MP3 players, televisions or cars.
You might like to research other things that engineers are involved in, such as designing buildings or the role of engineering in helping to protect the environment, improving travel, health or manufacturing.
Who is an Engineer?
Engineers are people who solve problems and focus on making things work more efficiently and effectively. They apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between perceived social needs and commercial applications. The Engineers’ Council for Professional Development has defined engineering as the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize economically the materials and forces of nature for the progressive well-being of humankind.
What are the Personal Attributes of an Engineer?
Engineering being the practical application of science, aspiring students need a solid foundation in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Good logical and mental ability, problem solving skills and an ability to grasp concepts quickly are essential. An ability to express oneself using figures and words, perseverance and judgment are some of the other skills required. During the duration of the engineering course students are required to put in long hours of study, work with tools and work in teams.
