NAME: Emmanuel Mozu- Simpson

ID: 22021280

DEPARTMENT: COMPUTER ENGINEERING

COURSE: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING – SENG 107

DUE DATE: 09/02/2024

Email: emozu-simpson001@st.ug.edu.gh/ emmanuelmozusimpson@gmail.com

Lecturer: Prof. Richard Bani

A SUMMARY OF THE DISCUSSIONS HELD IN THE INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING LECTURE SESSIONS.

After a brief self-introduction, Prof. Bani set on to discuss some engineering essentials and gave
origination to engineering for us to grasp a firm overview of what the discipline entails. In the two
lecture sessions, we discussed the reasons behind choosing engineering as a career path, the vastness of
the engineering field, the roles of engineers, the responsibilities of lecturers in training us in various
concepts, the interdependence of engineering disciplines, and some crucial information to strive under
the engineering field and course.

Professor Bani started by explaining the term engineering. Engineering is a branch of applied science
that encompasses the use of scientific knowledge, mathematics, science, and technology to create
innovative solutions to problems faced by humans.

He went ahead to discuss why we chose engineering. Some answers gathered from students were
geared toward their love for math, science, and technology and their strong desire to make a positive
impact through innovation and problem-solving.

He then delved deep into the engineering field, highlighting the vast disciplines in this field and some of
their specific functions. Some of the disciplines mentioned are mechanical, computer, biomedical,
materials, food processing, and aerospace engineering.

He further explained the role of the lecturers assigned to our course. Lecturers are to equip us with a
good foundation and understanding of engineering concepts, instilling creativity and critical thinking
skills needed for problem-solving.

The Interdependence and co-existence of engineering disciplines were also deeply discussed. During the
lecture, the professor posed a question: "If two engineers, one specializing in biomedical engineering
and the other in agricultural engineering, were competing for a job, who would likely be hired?" Through
discussion with students, he emphasized the dynamic nature of engineering. Engineers from different
disciplines can transition into other fields based on their transferable skills and adaptability. He explained
that we all as engineers even though we are from different disciplines can function in other disciplines.
This is possible depending on qualities such as communication skills, teamwork, and cooperation with
others. These qualities become key between disciplines in general engineering since every engineer has
a common foundational background where the concepts are related and transferable. The underlying
factor emphasizes the importance of not only academic excellence but also interpersonal skills and the
ability to adapt to different engineering contexts as a strong suit for excelling in the engineering field.

The second lecture talked about the curriculum of engineering students, outlining the subjects offered
and their significance in the field. Engineering students at the University of Ghana undertake seven
courses, totaling 21 credits for the first semester of level 100. The courses include Mechanics, Calculus,
General Physics, General Chemistry, Engineering Graphics, Engineering Innovations, and Academic
Writing/Critical Thinking.

While Mechanics focuses on designing mechanical systems like cars and bridges, General Physics imparts
crucial concepts for technological and system development. General Chemistry equips students with
knowledge of elements and their reactions, needed for material science, biomedical engineering,
agriculture, and food processing engineers. Calculus serves as a powerful problem-solving tool applied
across various engineering disciplines, while Engineering Graphics aids in visualization and design,
utilizing Computer-Aided-Design software like SolidWorks. Computer engineering students replace
General Chemistry with Engineering Innovations, tailoring their curriculum to suit their specialization
toward advancement in computer knowledge. Despite the course variations, the emphasis is on
providing students with a good understanding of foundational engineering principles essential for solving
world problems and challenges.

Plagiarism was an important aspect finally discussed. Plagiarism is the unethical act of using someone
else's work or ideas without proper acknowledgment. It includes copying verbatim or not crediting
sources. Plagiarism comes with some severe consequences such as academic penalties and potentially
getting your work cancelled. To avoid plagiarism, we should always accurately cite all sources.

This was the material Professor Bani discussed with us in the two classes. These classes provided a
general overview and introduction to the engineering course. It also gave us essential information to
thrive effectively in the course and the engineering field.