Jarrod Cook

Engineering 100s

8 September 2004

What is Engineering?

Engineering is can be defined as the application of science and mathematics to natural sources. Engineers work to better society by applying these methods to everyday things. Engineers must use knowledge attained from higher education to in everyday life to solve problems and make things more efficient. There are many different types of engineering. Some involve designing buildings that are such as skyscrapers and buildings resistant to Earthquakes. Other engineers may design systems to clean up toxic spills or handle storm run-off. The development of almost every item in our society involved an engineer at some point. They are the ones who must find the solution to problem encountered and then develop a method to solve a problem. Many of these factors caused me to become really interested in engineering.

I chose engineering as a major because many aspects that involves really interest me. I am good at math and sciences, which are the most important factors in engineering. I also enjoy math and science the have always been my favorite courses, especially physics. The way things work also interests me, I enjoy taking things apart just to see how they function. I have spent lots of time taking computers apart and putting them back together and building new systems. This is why I plan to major in Computer engineering. I will then be able to pursue my interests in designing new systems and understanding how these systems function. I would also like to play a role in improving humanity and engineering provides me with the perfect opportunity to do this. I will be able to develop new technologies that can make everyday life easier. Computers are become a more necessary part in society everyday and technology is constantly advancing. Once I achieve my degree I will be able to play a role in further development of technology.

Engineering aims at finding ways to make things less expensive and more efficient. Gordon L. Glegg once stated, “A Scientist can discover a new star but he cannot make one. He would have to ask an engineer to do it for him.” Engineers are the designers of almost everything in our society. They are problem solvers and it is up to them to figure out how something works and imitate it. Engineers often have to work closely with people of other professions and the same professions. They may be asked to find a solution to a scientific problem, which would require them to work closely with scientists. Engineers often work collaboratively in groups to solve their problems and each engineer will have an integral part to play in the team.