1. Engineering Fundamentals and Problem Solving, 6e
Chapter 1
The Engineering Profession

2. 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

3. An Engineering Career Questions to consider: What is engineering?
What are the career opportunities for engineers?
What are the engineering disciplines?
Where does the engineer fit into the technical spectrum?
How are engineers educated?

4. An Engineering Career cont’d
More questions to consider:
What is professionalism and engineering ethics?
What have engineers done in the past?
What are engineers doing now?
What will engineers do in the future?
What workplace competencies are
needed to be a successful engineer?

5. The Technology Team Scientist Engineer Technologist and Technician
Skilled Tradespersons/Craftspersons

6. Scientist Scientists conduct research in seeking new knowledge.
The systematic research steps (or scientific method) are:
Formulate a hypothesis to explain phenomenon.
Conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analyze test results and state conclusions.
Generalize the hypothesis into a law or theory.
Publish the new knowledge.

7. Engineer Engineers: Apply knowledge of math and science
Conduct design and analysis
Solve problems
Develop
devices
processes
structures
systems

8. Engineering Design Process
The design process includes:
Define the problem.
Acquire pertinent data.
Identify constraints.
Develop alternative solutions.
Select a solution based on analysis of alternatives.
Communicate the results.

9. 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

10. 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

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. 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. Engineering Degrees by Discipline
engineering degrees were awarded in 2008.
(data from ASEE Profiles in Engineering and
Technology Colleges, 2008 Edition.)

15. Engineering Challenges
Energy
Infrastructure
Clean Water
Food supply
Global design
Others?