What is Engineering?

Extract from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineer

“An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality, safety and cost. The word engineer is derived from the Latin root ingenium, meaning "cleverness".

Engineers are grounded in applied sciences, and are distinguished from scientists who perform research and artists who create with a focus on aesthetics. The work of engineers forms the link between scientific discoveries and the applications that meet the needs of society.”

Refer to the Wikipedia link above for more details.

The work of Engineers is not often recognised by the public, but this work is critical to NZ society and industry. The public see a completed motorway, power distribution system, network system, or rolling mill, but have little knowledge of the role of the engineer in the design and operation of these systems. The modern society is now dependent on the skill of engineers.

For more specific details about a discipline, refer to the "What is engineering" section within each discipline