Something you do if you do well in math and science, right? If math and science is your thing, engineering might be for you, but there's a lot more to it than that.

Engineering is about applying math and science to design things like the cars we drive, to build things like the buildings in our cities, and to operate things like computers and even spacecraft.

You might be thinking that all engineers do the same boring thing - sit at a desk and do math problems all day. Actually, there are many different types of engineers who do very different things.

Interested to learn more? Continue reading to find out more about different kinds of engineering.

 

Civil

Civil engineering deals with the design and construction of things like buildings, bridges and highways. We see the work of civil engineers every day in our cities and towns. Civil engineers can work in all levels of government and work in industries like construction companies.

Careers for civil engineers include:

• design
• surveyors and contractors in the construction industry
• offshore oil and gas industry

 Electrical

Electrical engineering deals with the technology of electricity. Electrical engineers analyze, design and manufacture electrical devices, systems and processes. For example, did you know that all the electrical systems that run your car were the work of an electrical engineer?

Careers for electrical engineers inlcude:

• communications
• aerospace
• medical
• manufacturing
• oil and gas, pulp and paper and mining

Computer

Computer engineering deals with the design and analysis of computer systems. It involves hardware and software design, and applies to things like telecommunications, information systems (like the internet) and robotics.

Computer engineers enjoy investigating new ideas, solving problems, and can concentrate on many tasks at the same time. Since technology today is getting better and better and more and more important, computer engineers have many career opportunities.

Careers for computer engineers:

• software and hardware design
• telecommunications and computer network industries

Mechanical

Mechanical engineering is about machines and tools. This type of engineering is very broad because it contains aspects of other types of engineering. For example, mechanical engineers can do some of the structural engineering that civil engineers do, or some of the control system design that electrical engineers do.

Mechanical engineers are involved in things like building ventilation and air-conditioning systems, robotics, and aerodynamics. Because mechanical engineering is so broad, mechanical engineers get hired in many different industries.

Careers for mechanical engineers:

• design of car components, such as brakes
• air conditioning, ventilation and heating systems for buildings and vehicles
• oil industry
• design, construction and maintenance of robots

Mechatronics

Mechatronics engineering is an interdisciplinary program combining electrical, computer and mechanical engineering fundamentals to analyze and design intelligent electro-mechanical systems. Mechatronics is a diverse field that can include design, automation and precision control of integrated electro-mechanical systems. This includes, but is not limited to, advanced manufacturing systems, robotics, autonomous driving, navigation of unmanned vehicles, intelligent systems, remote diagnostic and telesurgery, machine vision, advanced sensing, instrumentation and communications and artificial intelligence. Students take courses in or related to: circuit analysis, digital designs, electronic circuits, electrical machines, programming, production technology, dynamic systems, mechatronic systems modeling, sensors and actuators, industry automation, digital design, mechanisms and machines, mechanics of solids, power electronics, vibrations, control systems and computer aided engineering applications. Students will also have the option to take electives in all three disciplines such as biomedical, micro electro-mechanical systems and computer aided engineering.

Careers for mechatronics engineers:

• robotic engineer
• automation engineer
• instrumentation and control engineer
• sofware engineer
• data scientist

Ocean and Naval Architectural

Ocean and naval architectural engineering deals with the design and construction of ships, offshore structures and other floating equipment.

Memorial's ocean and naval architectural engineering program is rated one of the top programs of its kind in North America, and is the only cooperative program in ocean and naval architectural engineering in the world.

Careers for ocean and naval architectural engineers:

• fisheries and ocean systems
• design of ships, offshore structures and other floating equipment
• telecommunication and electronics

Process

Process engineering deals with the development, design, optimization and operation of sustainable processes for human needs to ensure that the environment is safe and protected.

Process engineers process substances through biological, chemical and physical processes to produce useful products such as petrochemicals, gasoline, diesel, metals and alloys. For example, the materials used to make a vehicle and the fuel used to drive them; the cheese you eat; and the medicine you take are all the work of a process engineer.

Careers for process engineers:

• food engineers
• metal and mineral engineers
• petroleum and petrochemical engineers
• chemical engineers
• safety engineers
• environmental engineers
• engineering consultants

Faculty of Engineering Brochure