Engineering can be considered as ‘applied science’. There will also be elements of maths, design, management, experimental science, architecture, physics and chemistry.
What kind of course can I do if I want to study Engineering?
A general (broad) degree e.g. Engineering
A more specialised degree e.g. Avionics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering etc.
What is mechanical engineering?
Machines and parts of machines
Modelling
Diagnostics
Measurements (e.g. of stress, strength)
Biomechanics
Overlap with other engineers (e.g. animatronics)
What is electrical and electronic engineering?
Anything electrical (not just gadgets)
Radar (inc. medical applications)
Web-related work
Communications
What is civil engineering?
Bridges, railways, big buildings
Components and materials (sometimes called ‘composite’ engineering)
Earthquake engineering and prevention
Flood risk management
Health-related gadgets
What is computer science?
Software
Hardware
Web-related work (programming rather than kit)
Microelectronics
What is aerospace engineering?
Aeroplanes, helicopters, space vehicles
Parts and maintenance of the above
Composites and materials
Navigation technology (overlap)
Morphing structures
What is engineering maths? Only offered at Bristol University
Maths applied to engineering situations (and beyond — medicine, traffic, management)
Modelling, design
Analysis (statistics, predictive)
Bristol has the only Engineering Maths Dept. in the UK. Teaching rated excellent. Students are super-employable. Combines maths, computing and engineering — interdisciplinary. There’s something similar at Nottingham—keep on the look-out for new courses
What are generic skills?
Presentation skills, interview skills, CV
Leadership/working in a team or group
Being a professional
Doing a business plan
Pitching to a committee
Writing reports, statistics, IT skills
Engineering graduates (from Bristol) have gone on to:
Win an Oscar (in animatronics); Military service; Aid and relief work; Software spin-off companies (privately owned!); Film-making; Medical and biomedical science, dentistry; Business, Management, Automotive careers
