WHO IS AN ENGINEER?

DR. T. K. G. NAMBOODHIRI PROFESSOR (Retired) BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY

WHAT IS ENGINEERING?
The art and science concerned with the practical application of scientific knowledge, as in the design, construction, and operation of roads, bridges, buildings, machines etc. The combination of art and science by which the materials and power of nature are made useful to mankind. Application and advancement of skills based on mathematics, science and technology, integrated with business and management.

WHO IS AN ENGINEER?
An engineer is one who effectively adapts the findings of science to the use of man A person specifically trained and experienced in planning and developing the structures and devices, and in supervising the processes for the benefit of mankind Engineers are involved in the implementation, application, design, development and management of projects and processes

DEFINITION OF AN ENGINEER

AN ENGINEER EFFECTIVELY ADAPTS FINDINGS OF SCIENCE TO THE USE OF MAN HE IS THE VITAL LINK BETWEEN SCIENCE AND SOCIETY

MAKING OF A MODERN ENGINEER

The dynamic & fast changing world demands a more complex role for an engineer. Besides technical skills, they must be good in non-technical skills like Communication Problem solving Management

MAKING OF AN ENGINEER

ENGINEERING BRANCHES
Basic Civil, Mechanical & Electrical Sectoral Electronics Chemical Materials Computer Mining Modern Marine/Naval Bio-Chemical Bio-Medical Latest Information Technology Bio Tech Medical / Pharmaceutical

ENGINEERS HERITAGE
Engineering was an art for long centuries before it became a science Engineer is heir to a great tradition Tubal Cain, 7th generation of Adam is the legendary father of technical skills Egyptians channeled water to irrigate land Romans built great roads, bridges and aqueducts People of Mohenjodaro and Harappa built the first planned cities

SOME GREAT ENGINEERS

Leonardo da Vinci: Many- sided genius Galileo : The father of mechanics Bessemer: Converter to make cheap steel Edison: The electric bulb Thomson: A. C. transformer Goodyear: Vulcanized rubber Diesel: Automobile engine Bell: Telephone Ford and Benz: Automobiles Langley and Wrights brothers: Flying

SOME GREAT INDIAN ENGINEERS

Mokshagundam Visweswaraya Father of Indian Engineering A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Father of Indian Rocketry Narayana Murthy Founder of Infosys Sam Pitroda Force behind the IT revolution in India M. N. Dastur Designer of steel plants Brahm Prakash Atomic energy metallurgist

QUALITIES OF ENGINEERS
Courage and integrity Thirst for knowledge Imagination Capacity for sound judgment Accuracy of thought and action Instinct for economy Aptitude for leadership Ingeniousness Capacity for hard work Ability to think and speak lucidly

ABET Engineering Criteria 2000

An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering. An ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze and interpret data. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. An ability to communicate effectively. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global/societal context. A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in lifelong learning. Knowledge of contemporary issues. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF AN ENGINEER

Technical knowledge and skills Intellectual skills Attitudes Standards of Engineering practice Business practices International & national history & culture Proficiency in languages

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Science fundamentals Engineering fundamentals & application Probability & Statistics Computer science & technology Engineering practice

INTELLECTUAL SKILLS
Logical thinking Problem-solving skills Communication skills Design skills Organizational, management and administrative skills

ATTITUDES
Competence Integrity Commitment Tolerance Flexibility Life-long learning

Reliability Conscientious ness Punctuality Approachability

STANDARDS OF ENGINEERING PRACTICE

Measurement systems Technical standards Specifications & inspection standards Testing practices Environmental constraints Code of ethics Proficiency standards

BUSINESS PRACTICES
Free market economy International marketplace MNCs International competitiveness Quality assurance Insurance Warranties Bidding procedures

INTERNATIONAL/NATIONAL HISTORY & CULTURE

Common history National history & development Cultural differences Economic & political issues Social life & customs Gender Religion Multiculturalism

PROFICIENCY IN LANGUAGES
Spoken foreign language Written foreign language Regional dialects Technical terminology Professional jargon

The Desired Skills and Attributes for an ideal Engineer

REFERENCES
1. William E. Wickenden, A Professional Guide for Young Engineers, G. R. Henninger (Ed. ), Engineers Council for Professional Development, New York, 1967 T. K. G. Namboodhiri, Engineering Education in India, J. Inst. Engg. (India), Vol. 66, IDP, 3, 1985 Duyen Q. Nguen, The essential Skills and Attributes of an Engineer, Global J. of Engg. Educ. Vol. 2, No. 1, 1998

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