Engineering is synonymous with problem solving; engineering is the use of scientific and mathematical knowledge to provide solutions to problems. Engineering as a discipline was birthed from the advancement of chemistry, physics, and biology. Mathematics is the driving force behind engineering as it is used to quantify science into real world problems and solutions.
Engineering applies to every area of life, anything and everything humanity has created can be traced back to some sort of engineering application. In order to create something, work needs to be done, this is where engineering comes in.
Anywhere you look you can find engineering, from the transport you use to the place you reside. It has influenced what you consume, what you wear and almost everything you use in your day to day life.
Many factors influence engineering and the extent to which something is engineered. Thus, engineering is not just dependent on science and mathematics, it is also dependent on economic, political and practical issues that can affect the advancement of a tangible solution to a problem.
Engineering can be split into 4 major disciplines. Further engineering disciplines that can be studied will either fall under one of the major disciplines or at least be related to one (or more) of them. These are known as engineering sub-disciplines.
The 4 Major Engineering Disciplines
- Chemical Engineering – The application of science (especially physics and chemistry), to design and carry out chemical processes.
- Mechanical Engineering – The application of science to design and manufacture of mechanical systems.
- Civil Engineering – The application of science to the design and manufacture of infrastructure.
- Electrical Engineering – The design and manufacturing of electrical and electronic systems.
Sub-disciplines of Engineering
Engineering sub-disciplines are not as popular as the major disciplines however they are still vital to the industries of the world. There are dozens of engineering sub -disciplines out there, some of them have been listed below:
- Automotive Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Reliability Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Design Engineering
Industries affected by Engineering
Not only are there a wide variety of engineering disciplines out there but these disciplines have a profound impact on many of the world’s industries.
Many of the industries effected by engineering are listed below:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Transport
- Water
- Energy
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
- Construction
- Telecommunications
- Petroleum
- Textiles
- Food Production
- Arms
- Aerospace
- Mining
- Nuclear
