Define Engineering (or describe)

[AzonicZeniths]

I am looking at what I am going to do after high school, so far I am looking at physics, but I am keeping my options open. I have never had a very sturdy definition of engineering so; I am asking: What is engineering?

 

[russ_watters]

Engineers are the people who design, build, test, and/or repair anything who'se function is based on science (ie, cars and computers, not teddy bears).

You may want to read the wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineering

 

[AzonicZeniths]

Wow, I am slightly astounded that I forgot Wiki. Thanks! :)

 

[Proton Soup]

engineers are tool builders, the top of the food chain ;)

 

[Topher925]

Engineering: The application of science.

Engineers: People who take 3 hour lunch breaks, are socially inept, and are typically very condescending.

 

[Danger]

Engineers: People who take 3 hour lunch breaks, are socially inept, and are typically very condescending.

Cool! I'm an Engineer, and I never even went to school!

 

[noumed]

Engineers: People who take 3 hour lunch breaks, are socially inept, and are typically very condescending.

So we're the cool people!

I see engineers as applied scientists, we don't necessarily discover a new product per se, but we do find new ways to apply things to everyday life.

 

[mgb_phys]

who'se function is based on science (ie, cars and computers, not teddy bears).

We produce a leading CFD (computational fluffy dynamics) package specifically for the design of teddy bears with the optimimal coefficents of snuggly-ness.

 

[Topher925]

We produce a leading CFD (computational fluffy dynamics) package specifically for the design of teddy bears with the optimimal coefficents of snuggly-ness.

I'm doing my master's thesis on this.

 

[Mech_Engineer]

Engineering: The application of science.

Engineers: People who take 3 hour lunch breaks, are socially inept, and are typically very condescending.

I would write a lengthy essay on how much you disgust me, but you're so far beneath me I won't give you the dignity. Besides, I have to go grab lunch; back in 3.5 hours.

 

[noumed]

I would write a lengthy essay on how much you disgust me, but you're so far beneath me I won't give you the dignity. Besides, I have to go grab lunch; back in 3.5 hours.

What's the extra 1/2 hour for? Napping?

 

[gamma-ray-burst]

engineers can demolish forty beers.

they are the guys who apply science to everyday life, to make it easier.

i'm currently studying civil engineering.
talking to people from other faculties, it's always funny to see how civil engineers are the one working for the people who has no money : you have to to great stuff with no budget.

go for it : engineers are the elite of society.

now back to work.

 

[kevin267]

you should really research it a lot if you're thinking about doing it after school, engineering programs are extremely difficult and a big sacrifice to make. I've just started and am really having a tough time with it, i was never really sure about it but every male in my family is an engineer so i was kinda guided in that direction. Of course hard work pays off in the end, and engineers can achieve a lot and are important to society

 

[Dandy Candy]

Engineering*is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and systems.

:)

wish you luck ...

 

[Dandy Candy]

I found anothe definition 4 engineering:

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) defines engineering: “the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.”

 

[Confused]

for the benefit of mankind.”

and that includes destruction

 

[MATLABdude]

engineers can demolish forty beers.

Drink rum, drink rum, and come along with us!

http://http://web.mit.edu/choral/www/repertoire/engineers.htm"

(Some of the verses are tailored for MIT, but most renditions of the Godiva song just substitute institution names or remove the really specific verses)

 

[mgb_phys]

Engineers originally came from the Victorian railroads.
In a busy shunting yard it is important to determine the precise location of all locomotives.
This was the job of specialists who were scour the hidden sections of track - when they located the missing equipment they would traditionaly call out in their english accents - "there's an engine 'er", and so the name stuck.

 

[Phrak]

Engineer: one who sits at a computer screen pushing keys. Oddly similar to other occupations, but more pictures.

 

[engineroom]

If you are interested in how something works and is built plus your math skills are above average then engineering may well be for you.

If you where the kid that pulled the lawnmower apart and then almost killed yourself playing with the sparkplug you are an engineer for sure.

Note: Talented engineers are the last staff that companies lay off during recession; this is because talented ones are hard to find any time as they are all already employed.

 

[AzonicZeniths]

If you where the kid that pulled the lawnmower apart and then almost killed yourself playing with the sparkplug you are an engineer for sure.

Haha, that was me.

Thanks for all the responses, but when all is done and considered, I still think I would rather go for straight physics (double major math, minor astronomy). :)

 

[Topher925]

If you where the kid that pulled the lawnmower apart and then almost killed yourself playing with the sparkplug you are an engineer for sure.

I went a step further and took a dremel to the ports.