What is Engineering?alabama-sfa.enschool.org/ourpages/auto/2014/8/11/42521224/01... · 11/08/2014...
Transcript of What is Engineering?alabama-sfa.enschool.org/ourpages/auto/2014/8/11/42521224/01... · 11/08/2014...
What is Engineering?
What is
engineering?
According to Webster’s
Dictionary:
Engineering
The application of
math and science by
which the properties
of matter and the
sources of energy in
nature are made
useful
to people.
Engineers apply math and science for the
betterment of society through:
Design Manufacturing Research & Development
Management Continual Improvement
Logistics
Above all, engineers are problem solvers who make
things work better, more efficiently, quicker and
cheaper.
SCIENCE ENGINEERING
SCIENCE
Analysis: ask questions, look for patterns, develop knowledge
Produce knowledge
Characteristic activity: research ( learn about nature)
Study of what is
http://www.tryscience.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science
Synthesis: integrate bits of knowledge to create something new
Produce processes and things (part of technology)
Characteristic activity: creative design
Study of what never was
http://www.tryengineering.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineering
SCIENCE vs. ENGINEERING
taken from “ Engineering: How is it related to Science ,Technology, math, and Society?” – Dr. Alexander Flueck.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Types of engineering
Types of engineering are referred to as “disciplines.”
Just as science is divided into separate fields such as biology, chemistry and physics… engineering is divided into a variety of disciplines. The five largest engineering disciplines are…
Engineering Disciplines
Major Disciplines Other Disciplines
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Chemical
• Civil
• Industrial
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Agricultural
• Biomedical
• Computer
• Environmental
• Materials
• Nuclear
• Robotics
• Safety
Engineers within all of these disciplines
can work in product-oriented
companies, government, or academia.
Mechanical Engineering
• Concerned with design, manufacture &
operation of a wide range of components,
devices, or systems:
• microscopic parts (nanotechnology) to
gigantic gears
• heating, ventilation, refrigeration
• manufacturing equipment (tanks, motors,
pumps)
• laser technology
• biomedical applications
• automotive industry
• computer-aided design, automation,
robotics
Broadest of all the engineering disciplines in its range of activities
Chemical Engineering
Applying chemistry to the solution of practical problems
•Gasoline
• Plastic
• Energy (natural gas, oil heating, coal)
• Adhesives
• Clothing
• Building Materials
Electrical Engineering
Play a role in almost everything we
interact with on a daily basis. They
design smaller, cheaper, and better:
• cell phones
• computers
• power systems
• appliances
• robots
Apply specialized skill to the design, manufacture, application,
installation, and operation of electrical products and systems.
Civil Engineering
• Create solutions to cope with:
• air quality issues
• decaying cities, roadways and
bridges
• clogged airports and highways
• polluted streams, rivers and lakes
Design solutions to cope with many of our planet’s most serious
problems.
Industrial Engineering
• Design data processing
systems
• Integrate activities of finance,
engineering and management
• Develop systems for planning,
cost analysis, production and
quality of products
Stresses design, improvement, and installation of integrated
systems of people, material, and equipment for the effective
production of goods or services in all types of industries
Good Traits for Engineers
• Enjoy solving problems
• Like working with other people (strong teamwork skills)
• Interested in serving human needs
• Want to make things work better
• Strive for continual improvement
• Able to adapt to a changing environment
• Good communication skills
• Strong study skills
• Desire to constantly learn new things
• Data analysis skills
• Strong computer skills
Salary Comparisons
Career College (years) Average Salary* Hourly Rate Factor (thousands)**
Fast Food Cook 0 $18,230 $8.76/hr -
Cosmetologist 0 $27,070 $13.02/hr -
Auto Mechanic 0 $37,880 $18.21/hr -
Realtor 0 $53,100 $25.53/hr -
Reporter 4 $43,270 $20.80/hr 11
Physical Therapist 8 $76,220 $36.64/hr 9
Chemist 4 $72,740 $34.97/hr 22
Veterinarian 8 $90,110 $43.32/hr 11
Accountant 4 $67,430 $32.42/hr 16
Registered Nurse 4 $66,530 $31.99/hr 16
Pharmacist 6 $106,630 $51.27/hr 17
Computer Programmer 4 $74,690 $35.91/hr 18
Computer Engineer 4 $91,540 $44.01/hr 22
Mechanical Engineer 4 $80,580 $38.74/hr 20
Electrical Engineer 4 $86,250 $41.47/hr 21
Civil Engineer 4 $81,180 $39.03/hr 20
Chemical Engineer 4 $91,670 $44.07/hr 22
Petroleum Engineer 4 $119,960 $57.67/hr 30
Medical Doctor 10 $168,550 $81.03/hr 16
Lawyer 6 $129,020 $62.03/hr 21
Higher Factor
Is Better!
*Average salaries from May 2009, Bureau of Labor Statistics Website
**Factor is average salary / years of college
Most recent data:
ARCHITECTURE AND
ENGINEERING OCCUPATIONS
Earning Potential vs. Minimum Wage
Engineers have high earning potentials over the course of their career. Since
2000, engineering salaries have increased by ~35%.
15,000
25,000
35,000
45,000
55,000
65,000
75,000
85,000
95,000
105,000
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
B.S. (Engineering)
M.S. (Engineering)
Ph.D. (Engineering)
HS (min. wage)
Years AFTER H.S. Graduation (based on 1998 salary data)
College Entrance Requirements
Required
Algebra I & II Geometry
Trigonometry Calculus
Physics Chemistry
Computer Programming Social Studies
Foreign Languages Fine Arts/Humanities
Highly Recommended – Not Required
AP Chemistry AP Physics
AP Calculus AP Biology
Any Advanced Placement classes really help prepare you for college and in
most cases drastically help “lighten your load.”
What hours do engineers work?
Most engineers work weekdays, Monday through Friday. That's what some people would call a 'day job'. Typically they work from 8 to 10 hours per day. There are some companies that have very flexible work schedules such that their engineers come in for some 8-hour period during the day (say from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.)! Sometimes engineers work at a job site where something is happening 24 hours a day and they work a 'shift' schedule. Usually these assignments are temporary, such as for a new plant startup. http://www.discoverengineering.org
Cooperative Education
Typically a five year program with alternating periods of book learning
(school) and application (work, typically in industry).
Year Fall Spring Summer
1 School School School
2 Work Work Work
3 School School School
4 Work Work Work
5 School School School
Benefits of a Cooperative Education
• Pay for your college education ($36,000/YR or more)
• Gain valuable experience, real engineering work
• Increase your market value at graduation (considerably)
• Usually assures job offer from co-op company
• Offers well deserved and beneficial break from school!
Additional Things
Many engineers seek a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
http://discoverengineering.org
http://www.egfi-k12.org/ PE
College Advice
The next 2-3 years in high school and especially the following 4-8 years
in college drastically impact the quality of your adult life!!!
Summary
Engineers have been involved in almost everything you see, touch, or rely upon
Engineering can be an exciting career full of opportunities
Job market is generally good
Pay and benefits are among the top for the level of education
Opportunities for leadership, global travel, and benefiting humankind abound
An engineering degree can open many doors to careers in other exciting areas such as medicine, law, business administration, PhD (research, teaching, etc.)