BeginnerTopic 1 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
What engineers do
Apply science and mathematics to design, build and improve things that solve problems.
In depth
Engineers apply mathematics, science and practical knowledge to design, build, test and maintain devices, structures, processes and systems that meet human needs within constraints of cost, safety, time and environment. Typical activities: analysis, design, testing, manufacturing, operation, project management and communication.
Key points
- Problem solving under constraints
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
- Responsibility to society
ExampleA bridge engineer calculates loads, selects materials and supervises construction.
What is What engineers do?
Apply science and mathematics to design, build and improve things that solve problems.
Why is it important to understand what engineers do?
Engineers turn scientific knowledge into products and systems that people use, so this role frames every other topic in the course.
What is the difference between a scientist and an engineer?
A scientist mainly seeks to understand nature, while an engineer applies that understanding to design, build and improve things within real constraints of cost, safety and time.
Do I need to be a mathematician to be an engineer?
You need enough mathematics to model and check designs, but practical judgement, communication and teamwork matter just as much.
How is What engineers do used in practice?
Typical applications include designing a water pump for a rural village, improving the efficiency of a factory line and developing a sensor for a hospital ward.
What should I learn before What engineers do?
It is the first topic in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems, so no earlier topic in this course is required.
What are the key points of What engineers do?
Problem solving under constraints. Interdisciplinary teamwork. Responsibility to society.
Can you give an example of What engineers do?
A bridge engineer calculates loads, selects materials and supervises construction.
What comes after What engineers do?
The next topic is "Engineering design process", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is What engineers do?
It is classed as Beginner in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 1 of 102). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.