Engineers are problem-solvers who employ science, math, analysis and synthesis to design unique and practical solutions to everyday problems. They must accomplish this often under the constraints of time, budgets, and safety and health issues. Here are the common majors students pursue in the study of engineering and their descriptions.

Aerospace (Aeronautical) Engineering

• While aeronautical engineering was the original term, the broader “aerospace” has superceded it in usage, as flight technology advanced to include craft operating in outer space. Engineering, particularly the astronautics branch, is referred to colloquially as “rocket science”. Aerospace engineering deals with the design, construction, and application of the science behind the forces and physical properties of aircraft, rockets, flying craft, and spacecraft. The field also covers their aerodynamic characteristics and behaviors, airfoil, control surfaces, lift, drag, and other properties.

Applied Science

• Applied science is the exact science of applying knowledge from one or more natural scientific fields to practical problems. Applied science is important for technology development and research. A study in applied science will prepare you for direct entry into exciting and rewarding science careers, as well as preparation for professional schools (chiropractic, dental, medical, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy and veterinary) and graduate schools.

Chemical / Petroleum Engineering

• Petroleum engineering is a discipline that focuses on the search, production and extraction of crude oil and natural gas from the earth. Students will learn how to produce environmentally safe petroleum resources, scout for potential drilling sites and supervise drilling activities. Other than that, students will also learn to apply and invent ground-breaking technologies and methods to further enhance and streamline the systematic process of the recovery of petroleum.

Civil Engineering

• The study that deals with designing, constructing and maintaining physical and natural builtenvironments. It is traditionally sub-disciplined into environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transport engineering, urban engineering, water resources engineering, materials engineering, coastal engineering, surveying and construction engineering.

Electrical / Electronic Engineering

• The study that deals with electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. Students undertake subjects related to power, electronics, control systems, signal processing and telecommunication. Electrical engineering deals mainly with large scale electrical systems such as power transmission while electronic engineering deals with smaller scale electronic system such as computers.

Mechanical Engineering

• The study that applies the principles of physics and material science into mechanical systems. Students analyze, design, manufacture and maintain the system with the production and usage of heat and mechanical power. Students undertake subjects related to mechanics, kinematics, robotics, structural analysis, thermodynamics, thermo-science and drafting.