Engineering Profession

Engineering Definitions Problem solving The profession in which knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to economically utilize the materials and the forces of nature for the benefit of mankind. (OSU, n.d.)

What does it take? Drive & perseverance! How do you get those? Have to be willing to make the effort. Don’t let anything stand in your way. Know what you’re getting into. Engineers have in common the desire to make the world a better place.(VCSU, 2006)

The First Engineer Imhotep Designed the pyramid near Memphis, Egypt around 2550 BC. (BBC, n.d.)

Imhotep He set a precedent by including temples, pavilions, corridors, chapels and halls within the closed walls. He was a commoner by birth. Which means he did not have a formal education (that was only for the rich). At that time engineers learned the trade through the apprenticeship system. (BBC, n.d.)

Imhotep He became one of the king’s most trusted advisors. His reputation lives on still today in many fictional stories such as: The Mummy & The Mummy Returns (BBC, n.d.)

Engineering School Since the industrial revolution began in England about 1750, most would think the study of engineering began there, too. But military engineering was taught in France in the 1600’s. The Corps des Ponts et Chaussees was the first engineering school in the world. Opened in France in (VCSU, 2006)

American Engineering During the Revolution, the need for military and civil engineers became great. George Washington, whose background was in civil engineering, called for the formation of engineering schools. (VCSU, 2006)

American Engineering West Point included an engineering school in the 1780’s. Before the Civil War, land expansion and the growth of railroads fueled the need for engineers.(VCSU, 2006)

American Engineering From the Civil War to 1900 there were two major influences affecting engineering. The continued economic boom Morrill Land Grant Act of Pres. Lincoln This provided public land to have a college in each state. Specified a practical education to the masses, which lead to engineering schools. (VCSU, 2006) NDSU, known for its engineering program, was established through this act in (NDSU, n.d.)

American Engineering The 1900’s The automobile & two world wars demanded large numbers of engineers. America was cut off from Europe’s scientific knowledge because of WW II. This exposed a weakness in science and engineering education.(VCSU, 2006)

American Engineering National Defense Education Act This was set up to stimulate the advancement of education in math and sciences and other fields. It established a student loan program for colleges. (Encyclopedia.com, n.d.)

American Engineering 1963 Vocational Education Act Funding for vocational education was greatly increased. Also provided work study programs. These 2 acts greatly increased the number of people that could enroll in an engineering study. (VCSU, 2005/2006)

American Engineering What else happened to increase America’s engineers? Hitler’s Holocaust drove the best of the scientists and engineers out of Europe and to America. Freedom and opportunity sealed the deal. They stayed and helped America become a super power.(VCSU, 2005/2006)

American Engineering America also captured Germany’s best scientists and engineers in the field of rocketry and brought them to America during WW II. America didn’t use them right away, but it kept Russia from having access to their knowledge. However, while America was falling in love with the field of aviation, Russia put a satellite into orbit. (The Sputnik Crisis) (VCSU, 2005/2006)

American Engineering America quickly created NASA in The U.S. also put a man on the moon before Russia in John F. Kennedy “closed the missile gap” by deploying 1000 Minuteman missiles - far more than Russia had. (VCSU, 2005/2006)

American Engineering America has prospered on the educational investments made in the ‘60’s. Can we sit back and relax? Hardly, the scientists, engineers and teachers (baby boomers) we educated in the 60’s are now about to retire. (VCSU, 2005/2006)

American Engineering For America to secure it’s superpower position, we need more engineers! America produces 70,000 engineers/yr India produces 350,000 China produces 600,000 (VCSU, 2005/2006)

Why study engineering? Job satisfaction The No. 1 cause of unhappiness is job dissatisfaction. Important to find a career you enjoy. Variety of career opportunities Neil Armstrong, Jimmy Carter, and Alfred Hitchcock all started with an engineering education. (ASEE, 2004)

Why study engineering? Challenging work Problems will be open-ended No single answer No answer in the back of the book No teacher to tell you that you are right or wrong You find a solution and persuade others that yours is the best one (ASEE, 2004)

Why study engineering? Intellectual development An engineering education will develop your ability to think logically and to solve problems Benefit society You can choose projects that benefit society Cleaning the environment Developing prosthetic aids for disabled persons Finding new sources of energy (ASEE, 2004)

Why study engineering? Financial security This should not be your only reason for choosing a career in engineering However, you will be well paid Engineering graduates receive the highest starting salary of any discipline (ASEE, 2004)

Why study engineering? Prestige Engineers greatly help sustain our nation's international competitiveness maintain our standard of living ensure a strong national security protect public safety People know that engineering requires hard work and strong technical skills. As a member of this profession, you will receive a high amount of prestige. (ASEE, 2004)

Why study engineering? Professional environment You will work in a professional environment in which you will be treated with respect and have some freedom in choosing your work. Creative thinking We are in a time of rapid social and technological changes, therefore, the need for engineers to think creatively is greater than ever before. (ASEE, 2004)

Why study engineering? Technological and scientific discovery Do you know why golf balls have dimples? When you drive on a mountain road, do you look at the guard rails and understand why they were designed the way they are? Do you know why split-level houses experience more damage in earthquakes? An engineering education can help you understand how many things in the world work. (ASEE, 2004)

ENGINEERING IS EVERYWHERE Engineering gives shape to our world We all know cars, computers, airplanes, and bridges are all products of imaginative engineering But did you know bubble gum, baseball bats, movie special effects, roller coasters, and synthetic human tissue replacements are also engineering products? (ASEE, 2004)

ENGINEERING IS EVERYWHERE Engineers design, create, or modify nearly everything we touch, wear, eat, see, and hear in our daily lives. Their innovations and inventions fuel economic growth, fortify national security, improve healthcare, and safeguard the environment. (ASEE, 2004)

Sources ASEE. (2004). The top 10 benefits of an engineering career. Retrieved April 15, 2006 from the website: BBC. (n.d.). Imhotep (fl BC). Retrieved April 15, 2006 from the website: Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). National defense education act. Retrieved April 15, 2006 from the website: North Dakota State University. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2006 from the website: Ohio State University. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2006, from Ohio state University website: Valley City State University. (2005/2006). Technology education 675 research and assessment in technology education unit 1 reading assignment realizing excellence. Retrieved April 15, 2006 from the website: Valley City State University. (2006). Technology education 660 design for engineering unit 1 reading assignment. Retrieved April 15, 2006 from the website: