Most of the necessities of life that we take for granted today could be attributed to engineering. Engineers have made and continue to make positive and revolutionary changes to our lives. The origins of engineering can be traced to the early man who used primitive engineering skills for developing crude hand tools. Ever since man has been using engineering to improve his quality of life. The invention of the wheel, the steam engine, electricity, the automobile, the computer, the aircraft and the transistor are just a few of the landmark inventions that have shaped our world.
Engineering is considered to be a professional course.
Unlike pure sciences and mathematics that are concerned mainly with theory and research, engineering is oriented towards practical application of science and mathematics. Engineers apply the principals of science and mathematics to develop products and applications that are of practical use to society. Based on their aptitude and liking, engineers may specialize in one or more of these areas. Some engineers may focus on design of products while others might focus on production, quality control or after sales support to customers. Traditionally mechanical, electrical and civil are considered to be the oldest branches of engineering, however with the relentless march of technology, newer branches of engineering are constantly emerging.