What Is Engineering?

Engineering is all about making things work.  It is the art of applying scientific and mathematical principles to research, design, develop, test and make a huge range of things that people use, want or need on a daily basis.
We are heavily reliant on the work and expertise of engineers, and without them we would encounter many problems and even loss of lives.  Read on more to find out about this important area of work.

The myth of engineering

A lot of people have this misconception that engineering is a bit dull and boring, that it's something for boys only, or it involves getting your hands messy or dirty.  But this couldn't be much further away from the truth.  Pretty much everything we come into contact with every day has been made by an engineer, so it's a vitally important industry.
These days, engineering isn't just about tinkering in a workshop, wearing overalls and getting your hands covered in oil.   A lot of engineers work in offices and use high-tech computers in their day-to-day work.  Many engineers work in research, so spend a lot of time thinking of new ways to solve problems, in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner, testing new solutions and adapting current methods.

Branches of engineering

Engineering covers a wide range of areas, including chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and industrial engineering.
Within these areas of engineering there are a number of specialist areas, such as aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, nuclear engineering, offshore engineering, biomedical engineering, etc.
Whilst engineers working in these different areas concentrate on different things, many of the principles they use are similar, and involve having to solve problems, often working together in teams.
Many of the challenges of modern-day engineering centre around the need to protect and maintain natural resources, whilst trying to come up with ways to reduce as much impact on the environment.

Examples of use of engineering

Engineering has a wide range of uses, and can range from the development of a new, more environmentally automobile or aircraft, to the design of medical equipment to help save babies lives, to the testing of artificial limbs, to looking at ways to improve agricultural or drainage issues in third-world countries, to the research and development of a new toothpaste or non-toxic paint, to the construction of a building or bridge.  The list could go on and on.

Where does engineering take place?

Engineers work in a huge variety of environments, from offices, to workshops, to laboratories, as well as outdoors in fields, building sites or up towers.  There is no one typical engineer or a typical day for an engineer because the work is so varied.
Because engineering involves the use of many different types of skills, engineers usually complete a relevant engineering degree in order to work in this profession.  Many also undertake workplace experience under the guide of a trained professional.  There are many engineering institutions that cover each branch of engineering, which help to regulate and promote the industry.

Author Bio:
This article was written by Crispin Jones on behalf of Tennant Rubber. Visit their site to find out more.