There are many types of engineering courses. The more popular ones include civil and structural engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering and chemical engineering. Other types of engineering courses are industry specific, or are combinations of various fields of study.

Civil and structural engineering

Civil and structural engineering is concerned with the planning and construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, dams, reservoirs etc. You will learn about building materials, structural behaviour and design, soil mechanics, waste and wastewater engineering, sustainable transport and highway engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnics and engineering geology.

Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering applies the principles of physics and material sciences into the planning, design, and manufacturing of all types of machinery from medical devices to aircraft engines. Subjects include propulsion, solid and fluid mechanics, material science, electrical circuits, computer-aided design, computer systems, mechatronics, nano- and micro-mechanics among others. Mechanical engineers work in various industries such as transportation, construction, manufacturing and the environment.

Electrical engineering

Electrical engineering is concerned with the design and application of circuitry and equipment for power generation and distribution, machine control, and communications. Core subjects include power systems and networks, electromagnetic fields and waves, communication and signal processing. Students are also expected to study computer hardware and software. Graduates find work in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Employers include utility, manufacturing and consulting companies.

Electronic engineering

Electronic engineering is concerned with the design, development, testing and maintenance of electronic components, devices and systems in various fields, from consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones to complex computer systems. Students study circuits, signals and systems, analogue and digital electronics, computing systems and programming, nanoscience and nanotechnology, RF and microwave engineering, power electronics, and control engineering among others. Graduates work in manufacturing, telecommunications, and in R&D.

Chemical engineering

Chemical engineers combine the knowledge of chemistry and engineering in the design, construction, and operation of machines and plants to convert raw materials to useful products in the most economical and environment-friendly way. Students will study calculus, computer science, electronics, environmental engineering, general chemistry, geometry, materials, mechanics, organic and physical chemistry, reactor design and kinetics, statistics and thermodynamics. Graduates find work in manufacturing, R&D and consultancies.

Other engineering courses

Specialised engineering courses include agricultural, automotive, biotechnology, aeronautical, aerospace, computer, environmental, manufacturing, maritime, materials and telecommunications engineering. These courses combine the knowledge of engineering with knowledge from specific industries.

Studying engineering

Most engineering courses require prior study of physics and mathematics, except chemical engineering that requires prior study of chemistry. An undergraduate engineering programme usually takes three to four years to complete. If you want to work towards becoming a professional engineer in Malaysia, you need to ensure that your course and university are recognised and accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). Please visit www.bem.org.my for more information. Usually only four-year programmes are recognised by the BEM. If you do a three-year programme, you will need to top up with another engineering programme or take the BEM graduate exams before you can register with the Board as a Graduate Engineer.