Introduction Introduction What is Engineering?

Introduction Introduction What is Engineering? How does it differ from science? Science: DESCRIBE EXPLAIN Parameters: θ, Ψ, ρ, σ 2,☺,λ, Ǻ, g, ћ, H 2 C 5 OH,... Starting salary: $38K (chemist) Engineering: INVENT DESIGN BUILD Parameters: $ Starting salary: $54K (chemical engineer) iPod spandex

Introduction Introduction If it moves, it's mechanical engineering; If it doesn't move, it's civil engineering; If you can't see it, it's electrical engineering; If it smells, it's chemical engineering. Engineering: What are its fields? Thirty years ago... Today, it’s a blur... Biomolecular-, nano-, computer-, materials-, robotic-, biomedical-, environmental-,...

Introduction Introduction What is Engineering? According to Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary: Engineering is “the application of mathematical and scientific principles to practical ends, as the design, construction, and operation of economical and efficient structures, equipment, and systems.” But is there more...? “Engineering...to define rudely but not inaptly is the art of doing that well with one dollar, which any bungler can do with two after a fashion”--Arthur Mellen Wellington, The Economic Theory of Railway Location (1911)

Introduction Introduction Perspectives of engineering 1)by discipline (mechanical, bio-medical,...) 2)by vested interest (cultural, political, aesthetic, technical,...) 3)by scope (size, time scale, cost,...) 4)by impact (individual, community, world) 5)by technical level (research, adaptation of technology, design, sales)

Introduction Introduction Engineering is art. Aesthetics as well as function counts The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain Frank Gehry, architect The Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale, England 1779

Introduction Introduction Art that lasts a long time... Pont du Gard, France, 100AD Boring - see Civil Engineers --UK Yellow Pages Pyramids, Egypt, 2500BC (tallest manmade structures for 3800 years)

Introduction Introduction Engineering is problem-solving One solutionTwo solutions

Introduction Introduction Engineering is approximation. The mathematics of engineering systems are often too complicated to solve analytically. “ Engineering problems are under-defined, there are many solutions, good, bad and indifferent. The art is to arrive at a good solution. This is a creative activity involving imagination, intuition, and deliberate choice.”-- Ove Arup

Introduction Introduction Engineering is measurement and estimation. River flow, noise in a communication system, scatter in a laser beam, earthquake characteristics--all require measurement

Introduction Introduction Engineering is modeling and simulation. Often the only efficient means to confirm that an idea or design will work is to experiment with a scale model or computer simulation. Model of the X-33 being tested in the NASA Langley Mach 20 helium wind tunnel

Introduction Introduction Engineering is communication. Making presentations, producing technical manuals, coordinating teams for large scale projects are all fundamental to engineering practice. Richard Feynman during the Challenger disaster hearings. $125M communication error

Introduction Introduction Engineering is politics. The best functional solution is not necessarily the best practical solution. Three-mile island NIMBY Alaskan pipeline

Introduction Introduction Engineering is finance. Design, construction, operation, and maintenance costs determine the viability of projects. The Big Dig, Boston: $14.2B ($22B as of 7/2008) The Channel tunnel: $21B ($1B = 666 Eiffel towers)

Introduction Introduction Engineering is invention/design/innovation. New devices, materials, and processes are developed by engineers to meet needs that existing technologies do not address.

Introduction Introduction Most Lucrative College Degrees by Julianne Pepitone Friday, July 24, 2009 provided by...engineering diplomas account for 12 of the 15 the top-paying majors. NACE collects its data by surveying 200 college career centers....salaries for graduates who studied fields like social work command tiny paychecks, somewhere in the vicinity of $29,000. English, foreign language and communications majors make about $35,000. “...few grads offer math skills, and those who can are rewarded." Engineering is an outstanding salary.

Introduction Introduction Engineering is ethics. Engineering is safety. Engineering is public service.... “Architects and engineers are among the most fortunate of men since they build their own monuments with public consent, public approval and often public money” -- John Prebble

Introduction Introduction Engineering is new materials... and the space elevator

Introduction Introduction A 21 st century Eiffel Tower? (Chosen for London 2012 Olympics)

Introduction Introduction Engineering isn’t only about big things. It’s also about nano-bio, bottom-up, tailored structures quantum dot biological markers SWCN switches nano-robots

Introduction Introduction Engineering is haptics and robotic surgery

Introduction Introduction Engineering is quick response problem-solving

Introduction Introduction Global engineering challenges: global warming

Introduction Introduction Engineering is long-range problem-solving

Introduction Introduction

Global engineering challenges: potable water

Introduction Introduction Global engineering challenges: the cost of water

Introduction Introduction Pumping Punjab dry (IEEE Spectrum, 2010) From hand-operated pumps to 4 hrs/day free electricity, subsistence farmers are lowering the water table to dangerous levels.

Introduction Introduction Expose yourself to engineering!