All the scientific discoveries will not benefit mankind until engineers translate them into action. A strong background in mathematics, physics and chemistry is essential, with life sciences becoming another area in view of the awareness of environmental issues. An engineer does his work in the real world and hence social and economic matters, human relations and communication skill are supportive fields in which all engineers must have a good understanding. For some branches of engineering, chemistry and biology may also be required. Admission to universities, local or overseas, is generally based on competitive selection and in some universities limited by size of classes.
Overseas universities admit students directly into specific branches of engineering.
Local universities provide a common programme at admission and then streamed the students into different branches after they have completed a certain period of common studies. Currently, chemical engineering and environmental engineering admit students directly into the specific branch at admission. Upon graduation, a graduate engineer works under the guidance of senior engineers for a number of years before gaining sufficient experience to take on independent practice. This is often accompanied by obtaining registration with the Board of Engineers in Singapore or equivalent bodies in other countries, particularly if official submission of designs to local authorities is part of their practice. Examples can be seen everywhere and the work of engineers affect many aspects of our daily lives.