Engineering term papers

What is Engineering?

Engineering is a branch of science and technology that applies scientific and mathematical principles to the design, manufacture, building, and operation of engines, processes, structures, and systems.  Engineers are involved in the design of almost all practical products and systems that we use today from bridges, damns, and medical equipment to mass transit, computer hardware and software, space exploration, and environmental and architectural structures.  Many terms that we use in everyday language come originally from the field of engineering.  Terms such as beam, column, continuity, footing, foundation, and joist are just a few examples of these terms.

History of Engineering

Engineering skills and principles have been in use since ancient civilizations going back at least as far back as the ancient pyramids of Egypt.  Amazing engineering feats were achieved in ancient Egyptian societies as well as in ancient Persian, Roman and Greek societies.  The pyramids, temples, aqueducts, and road systems that they built and which we still see evidence of today are monuments to the  these engineering achievements.  Medieval Europe also made major contributions in engineering especially with the advent of Gothic architecture, as did ancient Asia from the time of the Monguls.  From these early stages of engineering grew many new forms and fields of engineering such as civil engineering, which was established as a separate field in the 18th century, and electrical engineering, which was firmly established after a growth in the body of knowledge about electricity.

Types of Engineering

Chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering and mechanical engineering are the five main areas of engineering, but there are also several specialized areas of engineering.  These include, but are not  limited to aerospace, biomedical, computer, environmental, nuclear, oceanic, and structural engineering.

Earning in a Degree in Engineering

People typically attracted to studying engineering enjoy problem solving, working in teams, and building things or improving the way things work.  In addition, they tend to be analytical, imaginative, and creative as well as have strong math, science, and communication skills.  Most engineering work requires a license and engineering students often go on to graduate studies in engineering.  The types of courses an engineering student must take depend on the area of specialization in the field, of which there are many. 

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