Engineers, modern day dream makers
Engineering is simply defined as the use of Science and Mathematics to solve day to day problems and to improve the quality of life. Professionals and those who practice scientific method and foundations to accomplish this are known as Engineers. Engineers design and build. They invent and create. Engineering use science and mathematical concepts to design and form tools, appliances, buildings, roads, tunnel systems, highways, bridges, automobiles and machines.
The word engineering is borrowed from the Latin word in genium, which means “cleverness”.
Engineering creatively applies basic and complex scientific fundamentals to simply, design new or advance existing mechanisms, structures and machines. Sometimes engineering employ independently or in collaboration with other professionals as well. In Gladstone engineers all these can be met under one umbrella.
There are different types of engineers that specialize in different areas and subjects. However some engineering experts though trained in a specific category or a field might become qualified in one or more through experience and knowledge. Although taken as a whole a vast subject, Engineering is usually broken down to four main categories or branches.
Branches of Engineering
Civil Engineering :
Civil engineers plan, design and construct structures such as buildings, roads, highway systems, bridges, dams and tunnels of public and private levels. Their main focus is to provide infrastructure for such as roads, water supply, railways, bridges, tunnels, buildings and dams. Structural engineering, environmental engineering and surveying are the sub disciplines of Civil engineering.
Mechanical Engineering :
Mechanical engineering is the design and manufacture of physical or mechanical systems, such as energy and power systems, aerospace products, weapon systems and weaponry transportation products, engines, audio equipments, compressors, turbines, power trains and robotics.
Chemical Engineering :
Chemical engineering is the application of chemistry, physics, biology and engineering fundamentals in order to carry out chemical processes on a commercial level scale such as the production of commodity chemicals, petroleum refining, specialty chemicals, fermentation, micro fabrication and bio molecule production.
Electrical Engineering :
Electrical engineering is the study, design and manufacture of various electrical components and electronic systems, such as electrical circuits, broadcast engineering, generators, electromagnetic/ electromechanical devices, motors, electronic devices, optical fibres, computer systems ,optoelectronic devices, telecommunications and control systems.
History of Engineering
Engineering has existed since the evolution of man and humans invented creations such as the wedge, wheel, lever and pulley. From stone to wood, now rubber and metal, even the simplest wheel is evolving with the help of engineering.
Imhotep, the builder of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, Egypt is the very first engineer known by name and achievement in 2550 BC.Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Roman civilizations carried civil engineering to phenomenal heights backed by geometry, arithmetic and physical science.
Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, road systems in Rome and Persia, the Colosseum in Rome, the Pont du Gard aqueduct in France is among the many other large structures, some of which stands to this day, testify of their imagination, skill and daring.
Millau Viaduct in France as the tallest cable-stayed road bridge, Palm Islands in Dubai as the world’s largest artificial island and National Stadium also known as “Bird’s Nest” Beijing China stands as some of the modern day engineering marvels. These masterpieces make us stare in awe and wonder at the process that led to their existence. Skyscrapers, bridges, tunnels or railways are triumphs of engineering, created to make life.
