Overview of Engineering which entails
1. History of Engineering
2. What is Engineering
3. Functions of an Engineer
4. Engineering as a Profession
5. Intro to Engineering psychology
2. GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF
ENGINEERING
THE AGES
Hesiod, a Greek poet writing around 750 BC to 650 BC, came up with 5 ages. The Golden Age: 1710 to 1674 BC
where people and God lived together in harmony, nobody had to work and peace prevailed. The Silver Age: 1674
to 1628 BC where men lived for one hundred years under the dominion of their mothers and not quite as
peacefully and harmonious as the golden age. Now the bronze age: 1628 to 1472 BC, things are modern, war was
common, arms tools and even houses were forged of bronze. People after death went to "Hades", a kind of hell.
Then to the Heroic Age: 1460 to 1103 BC where things improved partially. Demigods and heroes did noble deeds
and humans died and went on occasion to "Elysium", a kind of paradise. Lastly is the Iron Age: 1103 BC to date,
this is a age of complete disaster where everything goes down the drain.
Engineering did not just exist, It has evolved and developed as a practical art and a profession over more than 50
centuries of recorded history and our ancient forebears attempted to control and use the materials and forces of
nature with the application of mathematics and science with discretion and judgment in ways for public benefit just
as we do today. Historical studies of engineering teach us respect for the past and its achievements
3. GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF
ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING IN THE EARLY CIVILIZATION
• In southern Mesopotamia, at the beginning of recorded history, the ancient and mysterious
Sumerian people constructed canals, temples, and city walls that comprised the world’s first
engineering works. The most prominent rulers of ancient Mesopotamia were the
Babylonians and the Assyrians. In this area, the wheeled cart is said to have first appeared,
an angle measuring device called the astrolabe was being used for astronomical
observations in the early 2000 B.C and the most unusual class of structure left by the
Mesopotamians was the ziggurat, a temple tower built in honor of their gods.
• In the ancient Egyptian civilization, experts in planning and construction emerged. These
ancient engineers/architects practiced the earliest known form of surveying, developed
effective irrigation systems, and built remarkable edifices of stone. It is known that as early
as 3300 B.C., the Egyptians developed and maintained an extensive system of dykes,
canals, and drainage systems also the engineers sought to build the tallest, broadest, and
most durable structures the world would ever see. Their palaces, temples, and tombs were
designed as symbols of triumphant and everlasting power. The best known works of the
Egyptian builders are the pyramids. The first pyramid was the Step Pyramid at Sakkara, built
by Imhotep as a burial place for the ruler Zoser in about 2980 B.C.
4. GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF
ENGINEERING
CONT’D ENGINEERING IN THE EARLY CIVILIZATION
• Beginning about 600 B.C., the Greek culture became dominant in the eastern Mediterranean area. The
Greeks are best remembered for their abstract logic and their ability to theorize and to synthesize the
knowledge of the past . Their advances in art, literature, and philosophy were great, tending to overshadow
their contributions to engineering. Nevertheless, the Greek architect made the first notable advance toward
professional stature. The Greeks became the first great harbor builders. Herodotus described a great
breakwater which was 400 yards long, 120 feet deep built in water was constructed to protect the harbor at
Samos, the first recorded construction of an artificial harbor, and it was to become a prototype in harbor
planning even into modern times .Their interest in navigation later led to the building of the first lighthouse,
370-foothigh structure in the world, built about 300 B.C. The Pharos at the port of Alexandria also known as
one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• The most famous engineers of antiquity, the Romans, with cheap labor, they built arenas, roads,
aqueducts, temples, town halls, baths, and public forums. Its history is divided into two main periods:
the Republic, 535 to 24 B.C the legendary date and the Empire, 24 B.C to A.D. 476 (11). Some of the
most famous of Roman engineering works are: the Circus Maximus, a race course where games and
contests were held. The Appian Way was the first and most famous link in a road network. Aqua
Appia, the first major aqueduct, the Pantheon was a temple of extraordinary stateliness. The
Alcantara Bridge, The Pont du Gard, an ancient aqueduct that supplied water to Nimes in the south of
France.
5. GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF
ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING IN THE MIDDLE –AGES
• The middle-age period was during approximately 8 centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire. There were
few advances in engineering notably in their structural design and in the development of energy saving and
power-enhancing machines and devices. The most interesting structures of the Middle Ages were the Gothic
cathedrals. Massive fortress homes or castles were built for large landowners to protect themselves and their
properties. Gun powders and cannons were invented, wind mill and water mills were developed, improved
and used in new ways. Other mechanical advances include the spinning wheel and a hinged rudder for ships.
ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE: CIRCA. A.D 1300 -1750 - 1900: During the late Middle Ages, significant advances were
made in transportation and communications, fostering scientific discovery and accelerating the spread of knowledge. In the
13th to 16th century, the canal lock, the movable type mold were invented where advances were also made in navigation,
shipbuilding, docks and harbors for ocean transport were built and also had a great impact on the technological and industrial
developments that followed. Some of those scientists and their contributions to scientific knowledge are, Nicolaus Copernicus
,Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Newcomen, Robert Boyle, Sir Isaac Newton, Galileo and Robert Hooke. During the 150 years
leading up to the twentieth century, there was progress in mining, manufacturing, and transportation. James Watt invented and
improved vastly the steam engine. The first commercially successful river paddle steamship was made, steam-powered
railroad transportation was established. The development of electricity as a source of power ranks as one of the most
significant which was built on the discoveries of some physicist such as George Simon Ohm, Alessandro Volta, Charles
Coulomb and André Ampère. Sir Humphrey Davy, Michael Faraday, Thomas A. Edison, Edison’s Pearl Street, Nikola Tesla,
George Westinghouse some highlights of the development of electric power follow.
6. GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF
ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
During the first decade of the 20th century, numerous significant technological
developments were destined to have a great impact on our civilization. Inventors
and engineers were engaged frantically in attempts to achieve heavier-than-air
flight. Success came in 1903 when Wilbur and Orville Wright flew their airplane and
air transportation grew since that initial flight. Other achievements focused on water
resources. Examples was the Hoover Dam, progress in water resources
management was the remarkable flood control, navigation, and power projects of
the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Shortly after World War II, invention of the
generation of electrical energy by nuclear means were made. In this century, the
primitive transmission of signals has been replaced by modern communications
networks with massive switching systems using electronic components. Since the
invention of the transistor, semiconductor devices have in large measure replaced
vacuum tubes as amplifying devices for electronic signals.
7. INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
WHAT IS ENGINEERING
• The term engineering is derived from the Latin ingenium, meaning “cleverness” and ingeniare, meaning “to
contrive, devise”.
• The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) defines engineering as “the profession in
which a knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is
applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit
of mankind.”
• ( MAKING ENGINEERING POSSIBLE ): The engineer’s knowledge must be tempered with professional
judgment, where they utilize the materials and forces of nature in seeking answers to problems. The engineers
can access a much smaller list of sources of energy: petroleum, coal, gas, nuclear fission, hydroelectric power,
sunlight, and wind. These sources vary widely in availability, cost, safety, and technological complexity.
Engineers recognize that the earth’s supply of materials and energy is not limitless, and they must be
concerned not only with utilization of these resources but also with their conservation. It also involves seeking
solutions that are energy efficient and exploring for new sources of energy to replace those that are being
depleted. They also seek solutions that are economical.
8. INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
( BRANCHES AND SPECIALISATIONS OF ENGINEERING )
Engineering is a diverse profession. It is composed of several major branches
or fields of specialization and dozens of minor branches. It is not uncommon for
an engineer to practice more than one specialty within a major branch during
the course of his or her career.
CIVIL ENGINEEING: They focus on buildings and structures of all kinds. Its
main seven specialized areas include: STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING,
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT,
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING, GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING,
HYDRAULIC AND WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING,
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, GEODETIC ENGINEERING.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: The largest of all engineering branches,
electrical engineering is concerned with electrical devices, currents,
systems and everything relating to the use of electricity. Its main six
specialized areas include: POWER GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION,
ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INSTRUMENTATION
AND MEASUREMENT, AUTOMATIC CONTROLS AND COMPUTERS.
9. INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
( BRANCHES AND SPECIALISATIONS OF ENGINEERING )
COMPUTER ENGINEERING: Computer engineering is the field of engineering
responsible for the design and implementation of digital systems However,
specialized subjects generally unique to computer engineering include
MICROPROCESSOR/MICROCONTROLLER SYSTEMS, COMPUTER
ARCHITECTURE AND VHDL (HARDWARE DESCRIPTION LANGUAGE)
design.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: One of the oldest and broadest areas of
engineering activity, mechanical engineering, is concerned with machinery,
power, and manufacturing or production methods. the most common
specializations of mechanical engineering include MANUFACTURING,
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS,COMBUSTION, NANOTECHNOLOGY AND
ROBOTICS.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING: Chemical engineering involves the application of
chemistry, physics, and engineering to the design and operation of plants for the
production of materials that undergo chemical changes during their
manufacture. Specialized areas include CHEMICAL REACTION
ENGINEERING, PLANT DESIGN, PROCESS ENGINEERING, PROCESS
DESIGN OR TRANSPORT PHENOMENA.
10. INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
( BRANCHES AND SPECIALISATIONS OF ENGINEERING )
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING: Industrial engineers are concerned with the
design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people,
materials, and energy in the production of either goods or services. Its
specialized areas are: ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT (engineering
mathematics, management science, operations management, decision
engineering, business statistics and engineering statistics) and
PRODUCTIONS & MANUFACTURING.
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING: Aerospace engineering is concerned with
all aspects of vehicular flight at all speeds and altitudes. Several specialized
areas are: AERODYNAMICS, STRUCTURAL DESIGN, PROPULSION
SYSTEMS, AND GUIDANCE AND CONTROL.
MATERIALS ENGINEERING: Materials engineering refers in a general way
to a group of engineering specialties that are concerned with the
development, production, fabrication, and use of materials in specific
technologies. Its specialized areas are: METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING,
MINING ENGINEERING, PETROLEUM ENGINEERING, PLASTICS
ENGINEERING, CERAMIC ENGINEERING,
11. INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
BRANCHES AND IMPORTANCE OF ENGINEERING
OTHER BRANCHES OF ENGINEERING.
• Architectural engineers work with architects to plan, design, and build large structures.
• Oceanographic engineers explore, study and develop ways to utilize the ocean for human benefit.
• Operations researchers and systems engineers apply advanced mathematical and computer-based techniques
and simulation to quantitatively predict the behavior of large systems.
• Nuclear engineers deals in nuclear power systems using scientific and engineering principles.
• Textile engineers plan, design, and operate manufacturing plants in the textiles industry.
• Agricultural engineers focus on production and processing of food products.
IMPORTANCE OF ENGINEERING
• Health: advances in medical technology has helped doctors treat patients easier with higher success rates.
• Technology: with the help of advance technological machines it is easier to access information.
• Communication: our way of communicating has greatly changed because of engineering.
• Transportation: Advancement in technology has improved our transportation mediums.
• Space: visiting space and conducting research by scientists, analysis and engineers is possible and easier
12. INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTIONS OF
ENGINEERING
There are wide range of engineering functions or activities in which engineers can choose to be involved in either
one or more of them. These functions include:
1. Research: involves seeking new knowledge of facts already known.
2. Development: involves making the methodology of the discoveries and results of research available.
3. Design: transforming concepts and information into detailed plans and specifications .
4. Production: is the industrial process by which products are manufactured from raw materials.
5. Construction: steps of translating designs and materials into structures and facilities such as buildings.
6. Operations: involves the application of engineering principles or the performance of practical work.
7. Sales: best customer services or equipment proposal requires the services of trained engineers.
8. Management positions: involve the responsibilities of industrial supervision and solutions to problems.
13. ENGINEERING SUPPORT PERSONNEL AND TEAM
Although it is possible for engineers to work alone, they
usually work with a group of support personnel. This
comprises of the:
1. Engineer: the leader and supervisor of the team.
2. Engineering technologist: assists the engineer in the
planning, construction, and operation of engineering
facilities.
3. Engineering technician: deals in the methodology of
turning designs into reality.
4. Craftsmen: skilled workers who produce the materials
and products specified by the design.
A team is a small group of people with skills
working together towards a common objective and
holds themselves accountable for their duties. For
a design group team, work select members are
based on skills, Technical, Problem-solving,
Interpersonal.
Benefits of Working in Teams includes
accomplishing projects individuals cannot, be
exposed to series of solutions to problems, build
community, learn different ways of approaching
problems, able to think and evaluate critically and
gaining conflict Resolution and effective
communication skills.
14. ENGINEERING AS A PROFESSION
IDEALS AND SOLEMN STATEMENTS OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS
Engineering is a profession in which the knowledge of
mathematics and the natural sciences is applied with
discretion and judgment in order to use economically
the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of
people.
CHARACTERISTICS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS:
1. Professional engineers must possess education, knowledge, and
skills in an engineering above the general public and willing to
share their knowledge with their peers.
2. They must be willing to stay updated of discoveries and
technological changes by partaking in professional meetings and
continuing education.
3. Professional engineers must have a sense of responsibility and
service to society and to their employers and clients, and they
must act honorably in their dealings with others.
4. They must be willing to follow established codes of ethics for
their profession and to guard their professional integrity and
ideals and those of their profession.
The ideals and obligations of engineering have been embodied in solemn
statements. Engineers subscribe to this Creed: As a Professional Engineer, I
dedicate my professional knowledge and skill to the advancement and
betterment of human welfare.
THE ENGINEERS PLEDGE: I pledge: To give the utmost of performance;
To participate in none but honest enterprise; To live and work according
to the laws of man and the highest standards of professional conduct; To
place service before profit, the honor and standing of the profession
before personal advantage, and the public welfare above all other
considerations. In humility and with need for Divine Guidance, I make
this pledge.
THE ENGINEERS FAITH: The Ethics Committee of the Engineers
prepared the following statement describing the faith of the engineer: I
AM AN ENGINEER. In my profession I take deep pride, but without
vainglory; to it I owe solemn obligations that I am eager to fulfill. As an
Engineer, I will participate in none but honest enterprise. To him that has
engaged my services, as employer or client, I will give the utmost of
performance and fidelity. When needed, my skill and knowledge shall be
given without reservation for the public good. From special capacity
springs the obligation to use it well in the service to humanity; and I
accept the challenge that this implies. Jealous of the high repute of my
calling, I will strive to protect the interests and the good name of any
engineer that I know to be deserving; but I will not shrink, should duty
dictate, from disclosing the truth regarding anyone that, by unscrupulous
act, has shown himself unworthy of the profession.
15. PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION AND ORGANIZATIONS
A common pattern for registration is the requirement that
the applicant:
1. Graduate in an engineering curriculum of not less than four
years.
2. Acquire not less than four years’ experience in engineering work
of a character satisfactory to the Board.
3. Pass a written examination
Professional Organization consist of engineering bodies and its
societies . an organization that holds individual members who are
personnel associated with an engineering profession, interest, or
occupation
The five of the oldest, largest and most prominent PE organizations
groups known as the “founder societies”:
1. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
2. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
3. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
4. American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).
5. American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum
Engineers (AIME).
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS – INTERNATIONAL
Audio Engineering Society, International Association of
Engineers, International Council of Academies of Engineering
and Technological Sciences, International Council on Systems
Engineering, International Geodetic Student Organization,
International Society of Automation, International Society for
Optical Engineering, Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of
Automotive Engineers, Society of Petroleum Engineers,
Society of Professional Engineers, Society of Women
Engineers, World Federation of Engineering Organizations
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS - LOCAL
Ghana Institution of Engineers, Ghana Biomedical Convention,
Ghana Institute of Architects, Ghana Institution of Surveyors,
Institution of Engineering and Technology.
ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: They are
dedicated to the advancement of the knowledge and
practice of professions through; developing, supporting,
regulating and promoting professional standards for
technical and ethical competence.
16. CODE OF ETHICS FOR ENGINEERS: JULY 1996–PRESENT
MORAL FOUNDATIONS OF ENGINEERING ETHICS: Kohlberg suggested that an individual may reason and approach moral
decisions from three main levels of moral cognitive development, the Pre-conventional Level, in which proper conduct is
regarded as what directly benefits oneself, the Conventional Level, the individual accepts the norms of one’s family, group, or
society as the standard of morality and the Post-conventional Level, an individual is motivated by what is morally reasonable for
its own sake without regard to self-interest or to social conventions.
MORAL THEORIES OF ENGINEERING ETHICS: Martin and Schinzinger describe four types of moral theories that makes
certain actions morally right and others morally wrong: Utilitarianism, the overall balance of good over bad consequences, Duty
ethics, duty demands action even if its good or bad, Rights ethics, action is morally right if it does not violate the rights of other
people, Virtue ethics, action right if it supports good virtues.
the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Code of Ethics consists: preamble; As members of this profession,
engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity, fundamental canons/ rules of practice;
(i)Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public, (ii)Perform services only in areas of their competence, (iii)Issue
public statements only in an objective and truthful manner, (iv)Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees,
(v)Avoid deceptive acts, (vi)Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor,
reputation, and usefulness of the profession.
Professional Obligations: 1.Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
2.they shall at all times strive to serve the public interest. 3.they shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public.
4.they shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business affairs of any client, employer or
public body. 5.they shall not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests. 6.they shall not attempt to obtain
professional engagements by untruthfully criticizing other engineers. 7. they shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely,
directly or indirectly, the professional reputation of other engineers. 8. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their
professional activities provided. 9. they shall give credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due and will recognize
the proprietary interests of others.
17. ENGINEERING PSYCHOLOGY
BASICS OF BRAIN ANATOMY AND HOW THE BRAIN
WORKS
THE BRAIN: a complex organ part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers and
every process that regulates our body together with the spinal cord that extends from it. Weigh about 3 pounds in
the average adult, about 60% fat and 40% combination of water, protein, carbohydrates and salts. It contains
blood vessels, no muscle nerves including neurons and glial cells.
Frontal lobe is the largest lobe of the brain, involved in personality characteristics, decision-making and
movement, Recognition of smell and associated with speech ability. Parietal lobe is the middle part of the brain,
helps a person identify objects, interpreting pain and touch and helps the brain understand spoken language.
Occipital lobe is the back part of the brain that is involved with vision. Temporal lobe is the sides of the brain,
involved in short-term memory, speech, musical rhythm and some degree of smell recognition.
How the brain works: it sends and receives chemical and electrical signals throughout the body. Different signals
control different processes, and your brain interprets each, it keeps Some messages, while others are relayed
through the spine and across the body’s vast network of nerves to distant extremities with the help of nerve cells.
Main part of the brain: At a high level, it is divided into the cerebrum, brainstem and cerebellum
Deeper Structures Within the Brain includes the Pituitary Gland, Hypothalamus, Amygdala, Hippocampus and
Pineal Gland where they all have their specific function they play in the brain.
18. ENGINEERING EDUCATION,
LEARNING AND CREATIVITY
ENGINEERING EDUCATION,
LEARNING AND CREATIVITY
THE SUCCESSFUL ENGINEERING STUDENT: Not all of the students who enter engineering
programs of study succeed. The successful student quickly learns to take advantage of the
library, computer center, laboratories, and other campus facilities.
THE ENGINEERING CURRICULUM: minimum accreditation requirements for a baccalaureate
degree in engineering listed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
(ABET): 1.One year of an appropriate combination of mathematics and basic sciences. 2.One
and one-half years of engineering topics. 3.One-half year of humanities and social sciences.
THE NATURE OF LEARNING: the learning process; One of the simplest and most basic
forms of learning is known as conditioning. Conditioning is the acquisition of fairly specific
patterns of behavior in the presence of well-defined stimuli. A slightly different type of
conditioning, known as operant conditioning, occurs when some desired voluntary behavior is
rewarded or reinforced while undesired behavior is ignored or punished.
INFORMATION PROCESSING AND MEMORY: We receive information from our various
senses, stimuli from these senses come into our sensory registers where it is retained for a few
seconds. If nothing more happens to this raw information, it is forgotten. The raw data that
enters the sensory register must be processed for meaning. Our short-term memory is active,
conscious, and temporary, It is capable of holding much less information than our sensory
registers but for a slightly longer time. Everything we know and need to think is stored in the
long-term memory; there is no known limit to its capacity.
19. ENGINEERING EDUCATION, LEARNING AND
CREATIVITY
DETERMINANTS OF EFFICIENT LEARNING: Educational
psychologists report that learning efficiency depends on at least
three factors:
The material to be learned, The psychological state of the learner
and Learning strategies.
C R E AT I V I T Y
Engineering is a creative profession. Engineering students therefore
need to make optimal use of their creative potential. It is creative
process involves inventive, artistic, and inspirational thought. It is
characterized by originality and imagination.
CHARACTERISTICS OF CREATIVE PEOPLE: individuals that are
commonly associated with originality, verbal fluency, relatively high
intelligence, and a good imagination, question accepted norms and
assumptions and are alert to gaps in knowledge in their domain and are
open to new experiences and growth.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS: The creative process begins with an
observation of a need or problem. Next is a need to analyze the
situation and gather as much data as possible. Certain observable
attributes are, however: Recognition of the need or problem, A period of
intense concentration, A period of relaxation or incubation, The
illumination, when the solution suddenly and spontaneously appears
and The evaluation or verification of the solution.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO CREATIVE THINKING:
1. Avoid placing unnecessary constraints on the problem
being solved.
2. Search for different ways to view the problem, avoiding
preconceived beliefs and stereotypical thinking.
3. Recognize that there are non engineering solutions to
many problems. Consider approaches that might be used
by other disciplines.
4. Most creative thought involves putting experiences and
thoughts into new patterns and arrangements. Look
therefore for relationships that are remote and solutions
that are unusual and nontraditional.
5. Divide complex problems into manageable parts and
concentrate on solving one part at a time.
6. After periods of intensive concentration, allow time for
incubation.
7. Be open for a variety of problem-solving strategies.