ENGR-1201 Introduction to Engineering

Homework 1
Reading: Chapter 1, sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.5. This is approximately 21 pages. (Section 1.4 is
optional.)

1. (3 points) In one paragraph, answer the question "What is engineering?"

Engineering is a branch of science and technology that focuses on the use of science and math
for real-world applications. Engineers analyze problems and design solutions to them, in the
form of structures and machines. These engineers do so for the benefit of society and for the
advancement of technology.

2. (3 points) List 3 engineering disciplines or professions. For each, list three job functions or

research activities.

1. Aerospace Engineer
a. Design commercial aircraft
b. Analyze spacecraft
c. Build defense systems
2. Civil Engineer
a. Design suspension bridges
b. Make a plan for water treatment systems
c. Build dams
3. Materials Engineer
a. Design a new advanced battery
b. Make a lightweight composite material
c. Work with semiconductors
3. (3 points) For one of the disciplines or professions that you listed in question 2 above, what
do you think is the most important contribution of that profession during human history?
Explain your reasoning, and how this contribution impacted society.
Civil engineering has made one of the most important contributions to society and
human history - water infrastructure. Without the talented engineers of that
discipline, we would have sewage in our water supply, no reliable running water, and
floods damaging our civilizations. With access to clean running water and excellently
designed sewer systems, civil engineers have kept our water supply clean and safe so
that we may enjoy it and thrive.

4. (3 points) For one of the disciplines or professions that you listed in question 2 above, what do
you think is the outstanding problem which, if solved, would have a big impact on society?
 Explain your reasoning, and how this solution would affect society.

In the Aerospace Engineering field, the future of manned spaceflight is definitely an outstanding
problem that contains several different problems in itself. How does having a manned flight
effect a mission’s efficiency? What are the effects on the human body? What are the new
safety measures for the next generation of spacecraft? If we solved some or all of these
problems, people could go into earth orbit as tourists, and then we could send people on
long-range travel missions in space. This would further science, technology, and the whole of
society.

5. (5 points) In the state of Texas, earning a Professional Engineering (P.E.) license has three
main requirements: (a) education, (b) examinations and (c) experience. For each of these,
summarize the requirements. A useful resource is the website of the Texas Board of
Professional Engineers (https://engineers.texas.gov/).

A) Education
a) At least a 4 year degree in engineering or related science
B) Examinations
a) Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
b) Principles of Engineering (PE) Exam
c) Texas Ethics of Engineering Exam
C) Experience
a) At least 4 or 8 years of credible engineering experience overseen by a P.E.

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