Preface

Engineering design is more than an activity of skilled humans in industry: it is also a cultural
mission in both common and technical senses. In traditional engineering, abundant time was
available for engineers to merge their activity into national and global cultural environments.
By the twentieth century, the impact of technology and product development accelerated
engineering activities. Technology became the prevailing aspect of engineering and the
cultural aspect was overshadowed. In the meantime, despite the continued acceleration of
product development, the technology stimulated development of computering has given a
great chance for the reintegration of the technical and cultural aspects of engineering by the
automation of routine activities. Recently, customer demand driven engineering has forced
engineers into considering both the cultural and social aspects of engineering.
A new style of engineering has been established , where advanced information and computer
technologies are applied to handle product related engineering information in computer
systems. Engineering activities are done virtually to the greatest extent possible. A virtual
technology has emerged, primarily for design, analysis, manufacturing, and humancomputer
interaction purposes. The integrated and coordinated handling of information serves
engineering activities from the first idea of a product to the last demand for product related
information. Engineering modeling has become one of the activities that has a substantial
effect on the achievements of company objectives such as minimal engineering costs, a short
product development cycle, effective handling of the minimal number of product changes,
reduced time to introduce new products, minimal cost of developing new products, improved
quality of products, and advancements in competitiveness.

Introduction to Engineering

Chapter-1

1.0 Disciplines of Engineering

1.1 Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineers create machines, from airplanes that weigh over a half a million pounds
to spacecraft that travel over 17,000 miles an hour. They design, develop, and test aircraft,
spacecraft, and missiles and supervise the manufacture of these products. Aerospace engineers
who work with aircraft are called aeronautical engineers, and those working specically with
spacecraft are astronautical engineers.

Fig 1.1: Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineers develop new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space
exploration, often specializing in areas such as structural de-sign, guidance, navigation and
control, instrumentation and communication, or production methods. They often use
computer-aided design (CAD) software, robotics, and lasers and advanced electronic optics.
They also may specialize in a particular type of aerospace product, such as commercial
transports, military ghter jets, helicopters, spacecraft, or missiles and rockets. Aerospace
engineers may be experts in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, celestial mechanics, propulsion,
acoustics, or guidance and control systems.[1] Aerospace engineers typically are employed in
the aerospace product and parts industry, although their skills are becoming increasingly
valuable in other elds. For example, in the motor vehicles manufacturing industry, aerospace
engineers design vehicles that have lower air resistance and thus, increased fuel efficiency.

Introduction to Engineering

1.2 Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural Engineers combine engineering principles with biological and agricultural
sciences. They work to develop equipment, systems, and processes that help improve how the
worlds food supply is produced and distributed. They are involved in problem solving, and
must have the ability to analyze a current system with an eye toward improving the current
process. They often have to look beyond a specic challenge, such as a machine, or storage
solution, and consider a larger system, and how improvements or changes would affect the
whole. Agricultural engineers often work in teams and their duties involve analysis of current
methods and equipment applied to the production, packing, and delivery of food products.
They might work in a group with other engineers, or those outside of engineering, to solve
problems related to systems, processes, and machines.[2] They may be involved in designing a
water irrigation system, or in determining alternative uses for agricultural byproducts.

Fig 1.2: Agricultural Engineering

They may participate in legal or nancial consulting regarding agricultural processes,
equipment, or issues.Some agricultural engineers focus on machinery, and may design
equipment used in agriculture and construction. These engineers might have a special interest
in crop handling, hydraulic power, or the growth of specic crops. They may be employed by
machine manufacturing rms. Other agricultural engineers may nd themselves designing
buildings or other structured used for livestock, storage of grains, or experimental growing
facilities. Still other agricultural engineers might focus on developing systems for food
processing, such as drying processes, distillation, or long term storage. The type of job
agricultural engineers have often determines whether they work inside or outside. However,
most work inside a majority of the time. Some agricultural engineers whose tasks require
visits to farms, animal operations, or seed manufacturers may nd that they travel frequently.
Many agricultural engineers nd that working directly with growers, for example, provides
immediate job satisfaction as it allows them to interact with people their work affects.

Introduction to Engineering

Introduction to Engineering

1.3 Architectural Engineering

Architectural engineers apply engineering principles to the construction, planning, and design
of buildings and other structures. They often work with other engineers and with architects,
who focus on function layout or aesthetics of building projects. Architectural Engineering
often encompasses elements of other engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical,
re protection, and others. The architectural engineers are responsible for the different systems
within a building, structure, or complex.[3] Architectural engineers focus several areas,
including:
i.

the structural integrity of buildings

ii.

the design and analysis of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems,

iii.

efficiency and design of plumbing, re protection and electrical systems,

iv.

acoustic and lighting planning, and

v.

energy conservation issues.

Fig 1.3: Architectural Engineering

Most Architectural Engineers work in the construction industry or related areas. Others may
choose to work at non-prot organizations or rms. Most of their time is spent in offices
consulting with clients and working with other engineers and architects. They often, however,
visit construction sites to review the progress of projects. Architectural engineers may nd
themselves working in different geographic locations based on the site of a construction
project.[4]

1.4 Bioengineering
Bioengineering is the biological or medical application of engineering principles or
engineering equipment also called biomedical engineering. Interface the engineering

sciences, biology, biomedical sciences, and medicine to advance human health and solve
problems in medicine and the biological sciences. [5]

Introduction to Engineering

By combining biology and medicine with engineering, biomedical engineers develop devices
and procedures that solve medical and health related problems. Many do research, along with
life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, to develop and evaluate systems and products
for use in the elds of biology and health, such as articial organs, prostheses (articial
devices that replace missing body parts), instrumentation, medical information systems and
health management and care delivery systems.

Fig 1.4: Bioengineering

Bioengineers engineers design devices used in various medical procedures, such as the
computers used to analyze blood or the laser systems used in corrective eye surgery. They
develop articial organs, imaging systems such as magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and x-ray,
and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions. Most engineers in
this specialty require a sound background in one of the basic engineering specialties, such as
mechanical or electronics engineering, in addition to specialized biomedical training. [6] Some
specialties within bioengineering or biomedical engineering include biomaterials,
biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and orthopedic engineering.
Approximately 40 percent of biomedical engineers work for companies that manufacture
products, primarily in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, and medical
instruments and supplies industries. Many others worked for hospitals. Some also worked for
government agencies or as independent consultants.

1.5 Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering From the pyramids of Egypt to the space station Freedom, civil engineers
have always faced the challenges of the future, advancing civilization and building our quality
of life. Today, the world is undergoing vast changes: the technological revolution, population
growth, environmental concerns, and more. All create unique challenges for civil engineers of
every specialty. The next decades will be the most creative, demanding, and rewarding of
times for civil engineers. [7] Today, civil engineers are in the forefront of technology. They are

Introduction to Engineering

users of sophisticated high-tech products, applying the very latest concepts in computer aided
design (CAD) during design, construction, project scheduling, and cost control. Civil
engineering is about community service, development, and improvement the planning, design,
construction, and operation of facilities essential to modern life, ranging from transit systems
to offshore structures to space satellites.

Fig 1.5: Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are problem solvers, meeting the challenges of pollution, trafc congestion,
drinking water and energy needs, urban redevelopment, and community planning. Our future
as a nation will be closely tied to space, energy, the environment, and our ability to interact
with and compete in the global economy. Civil engineers will perform a vital role in linking
these themes and improving qualityof life for the 21st century. As the technological revolution
expands, as the worlds population increases, and as environmental concerns mount, civil
engineers skills will be needed. Civil Engineering is grouped into seven major divisions of
engineering: Structural, Environmental, Geotechnical, Water Resources, Transportation,
Construction, and Urban Planning. In practice, these are not always hard and xed categories,
but they offer a helpful way to review a very diverse and dynamic eld. [8]

1.6 Computer Engineering

The enormous computational capabilities of modern computer technology offer the potential to
create new applications and value that can be turned into concrete artifacts and services that
improve our lives and create wealth. Computer Engineering is the discipline that designs and
engineers computer systems from digital circuits, through compilers and runtime systems, to
networking and world-wide distributed systems. As an engineering discipline, the computer
engineer must appreciate the physical aspects of computations (energy, delay, area, reliability,
costs) and be able to expertly navigate the multidimensional trade-off space associated with
implementing computations. Computer engineers analyze, design, and evaluate computer
systems, both hardware and software. They might work on system such as a exible
manufacturing system or a smart device or instrument. [9]
Computer engineers often nd themselves focusing on problems or challenges which result in
new state-of-the-art products, which integrate computer capabilities. Usual tasks involving

Introduction to Engineering

computer engineers include writing software and firmware for embedded microcontrollers,
designing mixed signal circuit boards and designing operating system. Computer engineers are
also suited for robotics research, which relies heavily on using digital systems to control and
monitor electrical systems like motors, communications and sensors.

Fig 1.6: Computer Engineering

They work on the interface between different pieces of hardware and strive to provide new
capabilities to existing and new systems or products. The work of a computer engineer is
grounded in the hardwarefrom circuits to architecturebut also focuses on operating systems
and software. [10] Computer engineers must understand logic design, microprocessor system
design, computer architecture, computer interfacing, and continually focus on system
requirements and design. It is primarily software engineers who focus on creating the software
systems used by individuals and businesses, but computer engineers may also design and
develop some software applications.

1.7 Electrical Engineering

Electrical and electronics engineers conduct research, and design, develop, test, and oversee the
development of electronic systems and the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment
and devices. From the global positioning system that can continuously provide the location of a
vehicle to giant electric power generators, electrical and electronics engineers are responsible for
a wide range of technologies. Electrical engineering has many sub-elds, some of the most
common of which we outline below. [11]
Telecommunications is a prime growth area for electrical/electronics engineers. This includes
developing services for wired and wireless networks for homes and businesses, as well as
satellite, microwave, and ber networks that form the backbone of the civil and military
communications infrastructure.

Introduction to Engineering

Power engineers deal with energy generation by a variety of methods, such as turbine, hydro,
fuel cell, solar, geothermal, and wind. They also deal with electrical power distribution from
source to consumer and within factories, ofces, hospitals, laboratories, and they design electric
motors and batteries.

Fig 1.7: Electrical Engineering

In industry, power engineers are employed wherever electrical energy is used to manufacture or
produce an end product. They are needed to design electrical distribution systems and
instrumentation and control systems for the safe, effective, efcient operation of the production
facilities.
The computer industry serves many sectors, and electrical engineers play a major role. Electrical
engineering has strong connections to computer engineering, and at many universities, the
computer engineering and electrical engineering programs reside in the same department.
The chief enabling technology at the heart of the electronic components booming computer
industry is semiconductor technology, in particular the development and manufacture of
integrated circuits. As integrated circuits companies strive to search for faster and more powerful
chips, they seek engineers to investigate new materials and improved packaging engineers who
can handle the challenge of competitive pressure and ever-shorter development time.
Manufacturers of microprocessors and memory chips for example, continuously improve existing
products and introduce new ones to beat the competition and meet customers expectations of
ever-higher performance. Semiconductor products include not just digital ICs but also analog
chips, mixed-signal (analog and digital) integrated circuits, radio-frequency (RF) integrated
circuits, as well as power devices. [12]

1.8 Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical
engineering is
the
discipline
that
applies
the
principles
of
engineering, physics and materials science for the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance

Introduction to Engineering

of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the design, production, and
operation of machinery and tools.[1][2] Mechanical engineering is one of the largest, broadest, and

oldest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers use the principles of energy, materials, and
mechanics to design and manufacture machines and devices of all types. They create the
processes and systems that drive technology and industry. [13]
The key characteristics of the profession are its breadth, exibility, and individuality. The career
paths of mechanical engineers are largely determined by individual choices, a decided advantage
in a changing world. Mechanics, energy and heat, mathematics, engineering sciences, design and
manufacturing form the foundation of mechanical engineering. Mechanics includes uids,
ranging from still water to hypersonic gases owing around a space vehicle; it involves the
motion of anything from a particle to a machine or complex structure.
Mechanical engineers research, develop, design, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines,
and other mechanical devices.

Fig 1.8: Mechanical Engineering

They work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion
engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as power-using machines such as refrigeration and
air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators,
industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Mechanical engineers also
design tools that other engineers need for their work. [14] Mechanical engineering is one of the
broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers may work in production operations in
manufacturing or agriculture, maintenance, or technical sales; many are administrators or
managers.

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Introduction to Engineering

Chapter 2

2.0 Contributions of Engineering

2.1 Impact of Engineering
Engineering solutions have always had a major impact on society. In some cases this impact
has been clearly positive, such as in the case of house appliances and water purification. In
others the impact has been negative, as in the case of bombs with ever-increasing destructive
power. In many some cases the impact of engineering products has been both positive and
negative, as in the case of the automobile. Engineers usually give the proper attention to the
safety and cost of their products, two aspects that impact all users of engineering products and
therefore society as a whole. [15] More recently, engineers have also become more sensitive
regarding the environmental impact of their products.

Fig 2.1: Impact of Engineering

On the other hand, there have been many cases where the engineers involved in the creation of
a particular solution, constrained with a limited view of the situation they were trying to
address, were not aware or could not possibly imagine the impact their product would later
have on the society as a whole (for example, CFCs which caused destruction of the ozone
layer).In the era of market and work-force globalization engineers need to have a solid
understanding of the impact their products will have locally as well as globally so they can
make a sound evaluation of the pros and cons. The American Society for Engineering
Education expresses the need for this global and societal perspective as follows:
[E]ngineering colleges must not only provide their graduates with intellectual development
and superb technical capabilities, but, following industrys lead, [they] must educate their
students to work as part of teams, communicate well, and understand the economic, social,
environmental, and international context of their professional activities. [16]. Moreover, the US
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) recently put a new spin on this
requirement in engineering education.

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Introduction to Engineering

2.2 Engineering Problem Solving

Problem solving is the foundation of all engineering activities. As an engineering student, you
will spend a significant amount of your time solving problems. You will start with a
foundation in mathematics and science, where the problems are clearly defined and you must
specify what are the known and unknown quantities. These problems usually include the
proper mathematical equations, parameters, and assumptions. As you move into more
advanced engineering courses, you will solve open-ended design problems, which may be
vaguely defined and have many correct solutions.
Since skill at problem solving is fundamental for engineering, it is essential that you develop a
systematic methodology for problem solving. To determine a path or method that fits the
specific problem youre trying to solve, it may be useful to categorize engineering problems
into two broad categories: closed-ended or analysis problems and open-ended or design
problems. [17]
Before making a distinction between the two classes of problems, we need to define the
properties of a system. The properties are the measurable or observable characteristics of the
system such as size, weight or mass, temperature, voltage, current, velocity, and so on. When
you calculate or measure the properties of a system, you are solving an analysis problem.
Generally analysis problems have a single correct solution, while design problems have
multiple correct solutions. For example, we can calculate the weight (a physical property) of a
hammer given its physical dimensions and density of material. There is only one solution to
this problem for a given hammer.

Fig 2.2: Problem Solving

Design problems, however, have many correct answers. Design is the creation of a device or
system that has given properties, while analysis is the determination of the properties of a
given device or system [18] . A design problem would be to create a hammer with a given
weight. There are an infinite number of hammer design solutions that have a specified weight.
Engineering design is a process, or sequential methodology, that has the result of producing a
device, structure, or system that satisfies a need.

12

Introduction to Engineering

13

Introduction to Engineering

3.0 Activities of Engineering

3.1 Design Process
The engineering design process is a methodical series of steps that engineers use in creating
functional products and processes. The steps tend to get articulated, subdivided, and/or illustrated
in a variety of different ways, but regardless, they generally reflect certain core principles
regarding the underlying concepts and their respective sequence and interrelationship. Different
types of process:

Define the Problem

Collect Information

Brainstorm/Analyze

Develop Solutions

Feedback

Improve

Build It

Also, the process is highly iterative - i.e. parts of the process often need to be repeated
many times before production of a product can begin - though the part(s) that get iterated
and the number of such cycles in any given project can be highly variable. [19]

Fig3.1: Steps of the Engineering design process

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Introduction to Engineering

Define the Problem

You can't find a solution, until you can spell out what the problem is. Architects work with the
client to define the project. The problem may be something like "A new school kitchen with
cafeteria that seats 300 students" or "A new high school for 1,000 students."

Collect Information
Once the problem is defined, architects will spend time gathering information to help them
understand the neighborhood, the site, the users of the building, any existing buildings.
Typically this means taking photographs, sketching, and interviewing the client. It's also
valuable to collect information on the natural environment, so architects may gather data on
the path of the sun around the site, the direction of the wind, the climate, as well as what types
of plants are currently growing around the site.

Brainstorm/Analyze
During this stage of the process, architects may begin sketching or making diagrams to help
them understand how all the data and information they've collected may impact the design of
the building. These early drawings - which may include bubble diagrams, for example, will
help the architects document their ideas, because it's likely the solution will change as they go
along.

Develop Solutions
At this stage in the design process, architects will create drawings with specific solutions to be
shown to the client. Schematic drawings, as these are typically called, help illustrate the big
ideas and space requirements of the project. Schematic drawings usually do not include
dimensions or other construction-related notes.

Feedback
No solution is perfect the first time around, so it's critical that the architects continue the
discussion with the client to receive feedback.

Improve
With feedback in hand, the architects will go back and continue to revise and improve the final
solution. Over the next several months, or even years, the architecture firm will work with
the client to refine the original design. Based on an analysis of cost vs. needs, together the
firm and the client will closely review the solutions and make balanced decisions on which
features will stay, which will be redesigned, and which may be eliminated. The architecture
firm will also work closely with the general contractor responsible for constructing the

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Introduction to Engineering

building. Depending on the size of the project, other partners such as structural engineers,
mechanical/plumbing engineers, acoustical engineers, lighting designers, civil engineers,
landscape architects, electrical engineers are brought into the process and hired for their
expertise.

Build It
The precise details of the building will determined over several months while the firm is
developing a set of construction drawings and specifications - called construction documents which will be part of the legal contract between the architect and client. These construction
documents will be used by the contractor to construct the building. [20]

3.2 Project Management

Project Management is the process and activity of planning, organizing, motivating, and
controlling resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals in scientific or daily
problems. A project is a temporary endeavor designed to produce a unique product, service or
result [1] with a defined beginning and end (usually time-constrained, and often constrained by
funding or deliverables),[2] undertaken to meet unique goals and objectives, typically to bring
about beneficial change or added value. The temporary nature of projects stands in contrast
with business as usual (or operations),[4] which are repetitive, permanent, or semi-permanent
functional activities to produce products or services. In practice, the management of these two
systems is often quite different, and as such requires the development of distinct technical
skills and management strategies. [21]

Fig 3.2: Types of Project Management

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Introduction to Engineering

3.3 Team working skill

Teamwork is recognized as an important skill for engineering and computer science
professionals. Both potential employers and accrediting agencies, such as ABET, expect
students to gain proficiency in teamwork skills through experiential learning. Teamwork based
projects challenge the student to apply the technical knowledge they gain in school to solve
meaningful and complex problems.
However, to be truly proficient in teamwork, a student must also learn and practice a large
number of peripheral skills. These include planning, estimating, tracking progress, taking
corrective actions, managing change, controlling and managing risks, maintaining ethical and
professional conduct, communicating complex ideas clearly and concisely, using design
automation tools, leveraging web-based tools for team collaboration, and most importantly
participating effectively as team members.
Team work is also very important to avoid gender and cultural bias when working together.
Giving everyone a chance to be heard is crucial in making a project successful, and do not
assume differences in approach due to gender or cultural diversity. It is our duty as
professionals to be ethical in working with others and to treat everyones voice and opinion
with importance. It is essential that students should be taught these important skills. It is
unlikely that without adequate faculty guidance students can pick up these skills through adhoc project experience.
Yet, many engineering and computer science programs expect the students to do just that. We
feel strongly that we need to employ a more pragmatic approach in teaching students the skills
necessary to function as effective and productive team members. Additionally, we need to
develop criteria for assessing the effectiveness of teaching teamwork and the tools to measure
learning outcomes. Among the problems contributing to this situation are the following:
engineering and computer science instructors themselves often have had little or no experience
operating in teams; training or guidance in effective ways to teach teamwork is seldom
provided; and tools and effective approaches to assist in the teaching and assessment of
teamwork are lacking.
Another problem is that, it takes a great deal of faculty time, effort and energy to guide groups
of students in doing effective teamwork. We will describe an approach t- at we have used to
teach team collaboration skills using free and freely available web-based tools. Students learn
to use tools for design automation, metrics collection, project management, and web-based
collaboration. Our approach encourages students to learn teamwork skills and improves levels
of collaboration among team members while reducing demands on faculty time and effort. Use
of web-based collaboration tools allows students to participate without the need for frequent
face-to-face meetings; this our students love. In an effort to maximize the use of techniques
like the ones described in this paper, we hold regular informal sessions of interested faculty to
share ideas on improving teaching teamwork and to develop methods and tools for
assessment. [22] The paper and the conference presentation will describe both our approach and
the results we have obtained.

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Introduction to Engineering

3.4 Engineering Ethics

Engineering ethics is the field of applied ethics and system of moral principles that apply to
the practice of engineering. The field examines and sets the obligations by engineers
to society, to their clients, and to the profession. As a scholarly discipline, it is closely related
to subjects such as the philosophy of science, the philosophy of engineering, and the ethics.
Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession, engineers
are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineering has a direct
and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by
engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be dedicated to the
protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a standard
of professional behavior that requires adherence [23] to the highest principles of ethical conduct.
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.

Perform services only in areas of their competence.
Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
Avoid deceptive acts.
6.
Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the
honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

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Introduction to Engineering

4.0 Presentation Making

Dress smartly: don't let your appearance distract from what you are saying.

Smile: Don't hunch up and shuffle your feet. Have an upright posture. Try to appear
confident and enthusiastic.

Say hello and smile when you greet the audience: your audience will probably look at you
and smile back: an instinctive reaction.

Speak clearly, firmly and confidently as this makes you sound in control. Don't speak too
quickly you are likely to speed up and raise the pitch of your voice when nervous. Give the
audience time to absorb each point. Don't talk in a monotone the whole time. Lift your head
up and address your words to someone near the back of audience. If you think people at the
back can't hear, ask them.

Use silence to emphasis points. Before you make a key point pause: this tells the audience
that something important is coming. It's also the hallmark of a confident speaker as only these
are happy with silences. Nervous speakers tend to gabble on trying to fill every little gap.

Keep within the allotted time for your talk.

Eye contact is crucial to holding the attention of your audience. Look at everyone in the
audience from time to time, not just at your notes or at the PowerPoint slides. Try to involve
everyone, not just those directly in front of you.

Walk around a little and gesture with your hands. Bad presenters keep their hands on the
podium or in their pockets! Don't stand in one place glued to the spot hiding behind the
podium! Good presenters will walk from side to side and look at different parts of the
audience.

You could try to involve your audience by asking them a question.

Don't read out your talk, as this sounds boring and stilted, but refer to brief notes jotted
down on small (postcard sized) pieces of card. Don't look at your notes too much as this
suggests insecurity and will prevent you making eye contact with the audience.

Its OK to use hum-our, in moderation, but better to use anecdotes than to rattle off a string
of jokes.

Take along a wristwatch to help you keep track of time the assessor may cut you off as
soon as you have used the time allocated, whether or not you have finished.

It can be very helpful to practice at home in front of a mirror. You can also record your
presentation and play it back to yourself: don't judge yourself harshly when you replay this we always notice our bad points and not the good when hearing or seeing a recording or
ourselves! Time how long your talk takes. Run through the talk a few times with a friend.
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Introduction to Engineering

It's normal to be a little nervous. This is a good thing as it will make you more energized.
Many people have a fear of speaking in public. Practicing will make sure that you are not too
anxious. In your mind, visualize yourself giving a confident successful performance. Take a
few deep slow breaths before your talk starts and make a conscious effort to speak slowly and
clearly. Research by T Gilovich (Cornell University) found that people who feel
embarrassed are convinced their mistakes are much more noticeable than they really
are: we focus on our own behavior more than other people do and so overestimate it's impact.
This is called the spotlight effect. If you make a mistake, don't apologies too much, just
briefly acknowledge the mistake and continue on. [24] For more details see "59 Seconds" by
Prof. Richard Wiseman

Build variety into the talk and break it up into sections: apparently, the average person has a
three minute attention span!

Conclusion
The engineering is such a diverse and dynamic eld, constantly adapting to meet societys
needs, it is impossible to summarize each area on paper in any depth that would stay relevant
for very long. Fortunately, there are excellent re-sources available on the WWW that provide
regular updates on the state of the profession, as well as educational opportunities. In
particular, as a starting point, we refer readers to the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center
(www.careercornerstone.org), a non-prot resource center for those exploring career paths in
science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computing, and medicine, supported by the
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Much of the material on individual disciplines that follows is
derived, with permission, from their materials. The Career Cornerstone web site contains
extensive information, including descriptions of and links to degree programs, professional
societies, day in the life scenarios, and employment data. Another excellent web site,
TryEngineering (www.tryengineering.org), is geared toward pre-college students and includes
tips on preparation for engineering, as well as life proles, lesson plans, and games.

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Introduction to Engineering

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"Civil engineering". Encyclopdia Britannica. Retrieved 2007-08-09.

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IEEE Computer Society; ACM (December 12, 2004). Computer Engineering 2004: Curriculum
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