The way we live today was impossible to imagine just decades ago. Thanks to engineering, our quality of life has improved by leaps and bounds!

Consider some of the things we use in our daily lives - from bridges and buildings to smartphones and tablets. These are some examples of things made possible through various forms of engineering. Engineers are continuously shaping the world by applying their skills to almost everything you can think of, from medicine to renewable energy, food technologies to sustainable mining and infrastructures. There really is no limit to what engineers can do! Let's explore the main branches of engineering.

Civil and Structural Engineering

Perhaps the oldest branch of engineering, this field dates back to the era when people first started settling permanently. They had to modify their immediate
environment to suit their basic needs. Civil engineering refers to the design and construction of public works, which have brought us everyday conveniences such as highway road systems, advanced infrastructures and communication networks, water supply and sewage systems. Ancient civil engineering projects include the roads of the Roman Empire, the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramids of Giza, to name a few.

Chemical Engineering

This branch of engineering employs applied chemistry to develop raw materials, chemical processes and reactions. These result in materials and products that we can use to fulfill our needs. Do you use petrol? Eat chips? Write on paper? Take medicine? These are just a few examples of chemical engineering advances. Chemical engineers are in great demand because of the large number of industries that depend on the synthesis and processing of chemicals and materials. In addition to traditional careers, chemical engineers enjoy increasing opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, electronic device fabrication and environmental engineering, all of which are rapidly evolving.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the technology of electricity, namely, its generation, distribution and control. Engineers in this field design, develop, test and supervise the manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of electrical systems. They find work in energy companies, engineering services consultancies, in research and development, and in building and construction companies.

Electronics Engineering

Electronics engineering involves the design and development of electronic devices from cameras to washing machines. Electronics engineers continue to bring innovation to the fields of telecommunications, computing, robotics, medicine, business and entertainment. Students on electronics engineering course may choose to specialise in audio, visual and light electronic equipment, control systems and automation, microelectronics or telecommunications.

Mechanical Engineering

This engineering discipline involves designing, manufacturing, inspecting and maintaining machines, equipment and components. It is the application of science and technology to address challenges and develop solutions, including the establishment of control systems and instruments for status and performance monitoring. This involves vehicles, construction and farm machinery, industrial installations and a wide variety of tools and devices.

Is Engineering For You?

Engineers derive inspiration from problem-solving, utilising mathematics and science as their tools. Their primary goal? A better tomorrow for everyone! The above are the primary pillars of engineering, with numerous sub-disciplines within them. If you are interested in engineering, ponder these questions: Do you like taking things apart to find out how they work? Do you enjoy playing with puzzles and games? Above all, are you willing to deal with a lot of science and mathematics, both in your studies and in your career?

If you wish to pursue engineering at university, you need to have studied mathematics and physics at pre-university. Additionally, if you wish to pursue chemical engineering, you need to have prior knowledge in chemistry. Visit the Board of Engineers Malaysia website at www.BEM.org.my for more information.