Lecture 1

EGGG 167

Introduction to Engineering

Lecture 1

Instructors

• Michael Chajes, Civil & Environmental Engineering (Course Coordinator)

• Dom Di Toro, Civil & Environmental Engineering

• Sue McNeil, Civil & Environmental Engineering

• Ajay Prasad, Mechanical Engineering

• Dennis Prather, Electrical & Computer Engineering

• T W Fraser Russell, Chemical Engineering

Lecture 1

Science vs. Engineering• The basic objective of science is to discover the composition

and behavior of the physical world (i.e. the laws of nature)• The basic objective of engineering is to design useful things

• Scientists want to understand theories• Engineers want to build things

Lecture 1

Science vs. Engineering continued• A scientists might be interested in understanding the chemical reaction of

combustion, while an engineer might be interested in harnessing the energy of combustion efficiently to do mechanical work.

• A mathematician might be interested in finding methods for solving a differential equation, while an engineer might be interested using the solution to the differential equation that describes the bending of a beam to design a bridge.

• Engineers use science and math to solve problems and to create “things.”• Engineering is “applied science.”

Lecture 1

So What do Engineers Do?• Engineers are societies problem solvers• Engineers strive to improve the quality of life by creating (products-

computers, systems-subway, processes-power generation, etc.)• Engineers must deal with constraints (time, money, limited

resources-sustainability)• Engineers must deal with risk and uncertainty• Engineers must deal with trade-offs (safety vs. economy)

Lecture 1

Needed Skills• Problem solving skills• Strong math and science background• Understanding of the societal impact of decisions (sustainability, globalization)• Ability to collaborate• Ability to communication• Ability to leader• High ethical standards• Business sense• Common sense