Engineering Fundamentals and Problem Solving, 6e Chapter 1 The Engineering Profession Chapter Objectives Understand the role of engineering in the world Understand how to prepare for a meaningful engineering career Understand the role of an engineer in the engineering workplace Describe the responsibilities and roles of the most common engineering disciplines 2 1
Energy Infrastructure Clean Water Food supply Global design Others? Engineering Challenges 3 Scientist The Technology Team Engineer Technologist and Technician Skilled Tradespersons/Craftspersons 4 2
Scientist Scientists conduct research in seeking new knowledge. The systematic research steps (or scientific method) are: 1. Formulate a hypothesis to explain phenomenon. 2. Conduct experiments to test the hypothesis. 3. Analyze test results and state conclusions. 4. Generalize the hypothesis into a law or theory. 5. Publish the new knowledge. 5 Technologist and Technician Technologists Apply their education and experience Modify designs as needed Technicians Perform computations and experiments Prepare design drawings Perform tasks as requested by engineers and scientists 6 3
Skilled Tradespersons/Craftspersons Do not need in-depth knowledge of science and engineering Often trained on the job Often serve apprenticeships Learn to build and operate specialized equipment 7 What is an Engineer? 4
ABET Definition of Engineering Engineering is the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences, gained through study, experience, and practice, is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of humankind. ABET stands for Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Engineers: Engineer Apply knowledge of math and science Conduct design and analysis Solve problems Develop devices processes structures systems 10 5
Engineering Design Process The design process includes: 1. Define the problem. 2. Acquire pertinent data. 3. Identify constraints. 4. Develop alternative solutions. 5. Select a solution based on analysis of alternatives. 6. Communicate the results. 11 Engineering Profession Engineers must demonstrate: Initiative Professionalism Engineering knowledge Teamwork Innovation Communication Cultural adaptability Safety awareness Customer focus General knowledge Continuous learning Planning Analysis and judgment Quality orientation Integrity 12 6
The Engineering Functions Research Development Design Production and Testing Construction Operations Sales Management Consulting Teaching 13 Engineering Disciplines Aerospace Agricultural Biosystems/Biological Chemical Civil Computer Electrical Environmental Industrial Mechanical Metallurgical Petroleum Others? 14 7
Engineering Degrees by Discipline 68 206 engineering degrees were awarded in 2008. (data from ASEE Profiles in Engineering and Technology Colleges, 2008 Edition.) 15 Electrical Engineering Communications - Wireless, Fiber optics and lasers, satellites, GPS Circuits and Solid-state Devices - IC design, Nanotechnology Controls - safer and more efficient operation of machines and systems (chemical plants, power plants, engines, airplanes, etc.) Instrumentation - develop sensors and other devices to convert measured quantities to electrical signal, data acquisition & recording 16 8
Electrical Engineering Signal Processing - signal conditioning (filtering, amplified, or modified), feature extraction, noise and interference control Bioengineering medical devices for diagnosis and treatment of patients (MRI, CAT, pacemakers, prosthetics) Power Systems - generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power Computers 17 Computer Engineering Similar to Computer Science, yet distinct Focus on computer hardware (architecture) Write software to control or to interface more efficiently with hardware and peripherals (operating systems, compilers, etc.) Design and develop electronics devices to interface with computers (modems, routers, etc.) New means of commercial and personal security Artificial Intelligence 18 9