Engineering is the application of scientific, economic, social, and practical knowledge to design, build, maintain, and improve structures, machines, devices, systems, materials, and processes. There are many sub-disciplines of engineering including aerospace, biomedical, chemical, computer, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, and food engineering. Engineering foundation courses cover subjects like math and physics as well as skills in communication, research, presentation, computer use, and software use. Traits of a successful engineer include competence, common sense, dependability, interpersonal skills, curiosity, quantitative thinking, and courage.