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Introduction to Engineering

TEC 303

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What is Engineering?

We need to be clear on our definition of engineering.

Engineering as a noun?

Engineering as a verb?

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Engineering Defined

Engineering has been defined by ABET as the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and natural 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 benefit of humankind.

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What do Engineers Do?

• Invent

• Design

• Develop

• Manufacture

• Test

• Sell

• Service products

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Clearing up Misconceptions

• Scientists search for answers to technological questions (why).

• Engineers search for the application to technological questions (how).

• Technologists work with existing technology to produce goods (apply).

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Engineering Technologist

• Requires scientific and engineering knowledge

• Technical skills

• Think of an engineering technologist as somewhere between a craftsman and an engineer

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Engineering Positions

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Engineering Functions

• Research engineers explore fundamental principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics.

• Development engineers take the knowledge acquired by researchers and apply it to a specific product or application.

• Test engineers design and implement tests to verify the integrity, reliability, and quality of products before they are introduced to the public.

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Engineering Functions

• Design engineers are responsible for providing the detailed specifications of the products society uses.

• Analysis engineers use mathematical models and computational tools to provide the necessary information to design, development, or research engineers to help them perform their function.

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Engineering Functions

• Systems engineers work with the overall design, development, manufacture, and operation of a complex system or product.

• Manufacturing and Construction engineers develop processes for the products that we use everyday.

• Operation and Maintenance engineers oversee the ongoing performance of the facility.

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Engineering Functions

• Technical support engineers serve as the link between customer and product, and assist with installation and setup.

• Customer support engineers are used to solve technical problems, similar to technical support.

• Sales, consulting, and management engineers

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Common Engineering Majors

• Aerospace• Agricultural• Architectural• Biomedical• Chemical• Civil• Computer• Electrical• Environmental

• Industrial• Marine and Ocean• Materials• Mechanical• Mining• Nuclear• Petroleum• Nanotechnology

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Other Engineering Fields

• Automotive• Acoustical• Applied Mathematics• Bioengineering• Engineering Science• Engineering Management• Excavation• Fire• Forest• General• Genetic

• Geological• Inventive Design• Manufacturing• Packaging• Pharmaceutical• Plastics• Power• Systems• Theatre• Transportation• Welding