Engineering uses maths, science,
creativity and design to solve problems and improve lives.
Most people don’t have any direct contact with
engineers, yet engineering will have had a hand in designing nearly
everything they come into contact with in their daily
lives. This includes cars, computers, mobile phones,
Playstation 3 and many other items.
Engineers can contribute to positive changes
in our environment and society by finding solutions to problems
such as pollution and transportation. Or they can influence the
economy and industry by improving existing products as well as
developing new ones.
Engineering has been around for millennia,
ever since humans began to invent devices such as the wheel to help
make everyday life easier.
The Egyptian pyramids and Roman aqueducts that
still stand today are a testament to early engineers.
Over the centuries, with the discovery of
electricity and other new technologies, different branches of
engineering have emerged. Today, these include:
- Aerospace Engineering – eg. designing and
building a spacecraft
- Chemical Engineering – eg. converting crude
oil into petrol
- Civil Engineering – eg. designing and
building a new bridge
- Electrical Engineering – eg.
designing electrical systems for a TV
- Computer Engineering – eg. improvement
of internet search engines
- Mechanical Engineering – eg. designing an
engine for a high speed train
Famous engineers throughout history
include:
- Leonardo da Vinci, who is recognised for his
achievements in art, sculpture and science as well as
engineering.
- Thomas Edison, who invented the
electric lamp.
And more recently, Steve Wozniak, the computer
engineer who co-founded Apple Computers.
Click here for
the Enginuity website, which gives more information about
engineering.
Click for the What
is Engineering ? website.
Click here for the ASEE Engineering website.