Engineering and Engineers
Uploaded by kartikaykaul13 on Feb 22, 2012
“Engineers Make the World” -Proclaims a sticker at the rear of an automobile – Well that’s true almost. Most of the conveniences that we take for granted today are the gifts from the application of various branches of Engineering. A Bachelors degree in Engineering is considered to be one of the most flexible career options for a science student after 12th STD. Flexible – did we say – Yes!! . Flexible because it offers a great fall back option even if one were to decide to change stream after the formal study. Flexible because it forms a perfect launch pad from which one could cap the degree study with master’s qualifications in technology, management, entrepreneurship etc….
There are more than 30 different majors or branches of study possible at the graduate level in India. At a very broad level, these can be classified as Conventional, Specialized and New Generation Branches. The Branches like Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Electrical Engineering etc are known as conventional branches. These branches have been in existence for a long time and were the pillars of many inventions and facilities that the modern world enjoys. Automobile Engineering, Energy Engineering, Polymer Engineering are examples of Specialized branches. A close look these branches will give the clue –these have emerged from more traditional branches because of the specific needs of the industry. Automobile Engineering has grown out of Mechanical Engineering. Polymer Engineering has grown out of a special need of the textiles and allied industries. Energy Engineering has developed into a focus area because of the industry’s increasing concern over how we use up the limited resource we have. New Generation Branches courses that were established relatively recently – in the last fifteen years or so. Examples would be Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, and Robotics etc.
So what are the fundamental differences between these three broad categories? How does one decide which course of study to pursue? Well – here’s one practical explanation. A mechanical Engineer, when recruited by Maruti Udyog Ltd, is told very clearly what is to be done. And why not? Maruti has been making cars for the last twenty five years and a lot of systems and procedures are in place. To top it these are time-tested techniques from a much disciplined work-culture from Japan. As against it, a Biotechnology Engineer, when recruited by Biocon – the torchbearer of that industry in India would be given...