1 - What Engineers Do

Abstract

Engineers deal with reality and usually have a set of specific problems that must be solved to achieve a goal. Engineering problems usually have more than one solution. It is the aim of the engineer to obtain the best solution possible with the resources available. Engineers are professionally responsible for the safety and performance of their designs. The objective is to solve a given problem with the simplest, safest, most efficient design possible, at the lowest cost. Engineering is obviously one of the applied sciences. The specific activities of the engineer cover a wide spectrum. They range from the role of a pure scientist to that of a sales or applications engineer who has more to do with people-oriented subjects such as psychology and economics. A very important aspect of engineering education is the development of communication skills. An important item, usually not treated in a formal way, is the development of a professional sense of responsibility. This includes the habit of getting jobs done on time with a reasonable degree of completeness and with emphasis on precision and a logical approach. The objective of this book is to paint a clear picture of the activities of the engineer including the nature of the special analytical subjects involved and how these are applied to the solution of real world problems.