Chapter 2 Summary: Introduction for Engineering
The chapter discusses pertinent issues that are important for aspiring engineers. For instance, the skills and abilities required for pursuing an engineering degree have been outlined. There are several desirable characteristics that are requisite for enthusiastic engineers. For instance, one should have a resilient interest and ability to work with science and mathematics, which should have been acquired while in high school. Secondly, one should possess the capability to reason over a problem in a rational manner. The third prerequisite skill entails the ability to organize and execute the solution of a problem to conclusion. Lastly, one should have an unusual inquisitiveness on why and how things work. However, the possession of these attributes does not guarantee one that he or she will complete the engineering program successfully. Ideally, one is also expected to develop abilities, skills, and knowledge outside the educational/classroom settings. Some of the outside classroom activities that the enthusiastic engineer should engage in have been underscored. Such activities comprise of summer job experiences, internships, field visits, joining professional organizations and committees, community service, and participating in both academic and non-academic allied activities. The importance of cooperative education – complementing college training and work experience has also been emphasized.
The chapter also furnishes passionate engineers with the curricula elements of the engineering course. The introduction to engineering is about 6 percent of the course coverage and covers aspects such as introduction to design, computer programming, computer graphics, and computation. There is a 3 percent general coverage on law, accounting, and business. There is also a15 percent mathematics coverage on numerical analysis, statistics, calculus, differential equations, and vector analysis. There is also an 8 percent written and oral communication on English, report writing, and speech. Sociohumanistic on philosophy, literature, economics, art, and sociology, and psychology covers 13 percent of the course. Physical sciences on geology, biology, physics, and chemistry comprise of 13 percent. Then there is a 16 percent engineering science coverage on materials, thermodynamics, and mechanics. The engineering specialty on the specific engineering course covers 26 percent of the program.
There are requirements that should be met in preparing engineering programs. Contextually, engineering programs are subject to quality control through accreditation. In this case, certification boards such as the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA), Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and among others develop criteria and standards that should be met by engineering programs. The requirements for the ABET accreditation have been discussed in great depth. As per the ABET, the engineering programs should certify that the students achieve outcomes such as experimental design, knowledge of science, math, and engineering. Other outcomes are on modern engineering tools, life-long learning, design with constraints, problem-solving, communication, professionalism, contemporary issues, and among others.
Other relevant issues underscored by the chapter are on continuing education, professionalism attributes of engineers and ethics, and professional registration. Ideally, completing and being awarded with an engineering degree is not the end of the engineering education. One is required to continue learning through attending professional conferences, short courses, seminars, and preparing for professional licenses. Moreover, one can advance his or her knowledge though going for MSc, MBA, or Ph.D. Professional ethics also play a critical role in the engineering profession. The engineering codes of ethics provide engineers with a guide on how they are supposed to conduct themselves responsibly as professionals. For instance, in their work, engineers are expected to exhibit impartiality, honesty, equity, fairness, and integrity. In addition, they should also ensure public safety, health, and welfare in their work. On the other hand, registration is also obligatory in engineering as it helps to regulate the profession and protect the public.
Reference
Chapter 2: Education for Engineering.