We owe how we live in the modern world to engineering.
Think about it. Without the marvels of engineering, we won’t have automobiles, computers, bridges, and many others. As Isaac Asimov once said, “Science can amuse and fascinate us all, but it is engineering that changes the world.”
What is engineering? Understanding engineering, in simple words, is applying math and science to solve problems. That may sound vague, but that’s the essence of engineering.
Engineering encompasses a wide range of disciplines. That’s why students who want to pursue a career in engineering often aren’t sure which type they want to study. If you’re interested in studying engineering, learning the differences among the major branches is a good starting point.
Keep on reading to learn more about the different types of engineering and their purpose.
1. Civil Engineering
A civil engineer is one of the most recognizable types of engineers. It’s also thought to be the oldest engineering discipline. Civil engineering involves the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects.
Civil engineers deserve our thanks for the houses we live in, the roads we use to go to work, and other physical structures. Many industries benefit from civil engineering, including city planning, transportation, and sanitation.
2. Mechanical Engineering
If a machine comes with moving parts, it was likely brought to life by a mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineers are the ultimate handymen and tinkers. Any object with gears, wheels, screws, etc., will spark the interest of a mechanical engineer.
Mechanical engineers transform ideas into working prototypes. Today, it’s possible to invent something and quickly test if it works through rapid prototyping. Check out the following link on how to use rapid prototyping.
Mechanical engineering is one of the most diverse types of engineering. This discipline covers a lot, from household appliances and vehicles to robotics and spacecraft.
3. Electrical Engineering
Can you imagine living in a world without electricity?
We live in a digital age, where almost everything runs on electricity. Electricity is virtually a “basic need,” like food, water, clothing, and shelter. And without electrical engineers, our lives would be immensely more challenging.
electrical spotter engineering is all about the design and construction of electric-powered technology. Engineers in this field can work on something as big as a power station generator or as small as a microchip.
4. Chemical Engineering
Chemicals are just as much ingrained in our lives as electricity is. Simply put, chemical engineers deal with chemicals and chemical products. To that end, they use scientific principles from chemistry, biology, mathematics, and other fields.
Whether you realize it or not, chemical engineering has changed our lives for the better. It’s involved in developing life-saving medications, food processing, and more.
5. Understanding Engineering Subfields and Specializations
Traditionally, the engineering fields can be categorized into the aforementioned four branches. However, some of those previously considered subfields are now major specializations. For example, biomedical engineering might fall under chemical engineering before but is now a category on its own.
Other examples include aerospace engineering, industrial engineering, structural engineering, etc.
Ready to Change the World?
The diverse range of disciplines makes understanding engineering a difficult concept to grasp. However, if you examine the basic tenet of engineering, it becomes pretty easy. The purpose of engineers has always been to find practical solutions to complex issues to improve our lives.
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