In our modern world, it is evident that science already reached an advanced stage, wherein scientists and inventors use it to create incredible technologies. These inventions made a significant impact on how we live our daily lives by providing us much easier ways to perform tasks. Some of the most popular technologies ever invented were computers, mobile phones, automobiles, and many other machines used in the production of many objects and structures. In simple terms, the evolution of science heavily influenced the way humans live and living in a world without it seems impossible.
Interestingly, the various technologies and infrastructures found in our world is a part of a specific branch of science devoted to the practice and application of scientific principles used to create such inventions. This field of study is called engineering and technology, and it serves an essential role in the development of our modern world.
In this article, we are going to look into the more in-depth definition of engineering and technology, and mainly what its history is.
What are Engineering and Technology?
As mentioned earlier, engineering is a field of study focused on using scientific principles to design and create machines, as well as various infrastructures, such as bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings. This field of science has a more complex scope of the study, wherein many specific fields were developed.
Moreover, the field of engineering includes four main branches, such as:
- Chemical engineering – is the branch of engineering devoted to the application of chemistry, physics, biology, and the principles of engineering to perform chemical processes. This chemical application is widely used in our world today to manufacture various chemical products.
- Civil engineering –is the branch of engineering that focuses on the design and construction of different private and public works. Most of the works done by civil engineers are infrastructures, such as airports, roads, railways, as well as bridges, tunnels, dams, and buildings.
- Electrical engineering –by the name itself, it is the field of science devoted to the application of electricity. It aims to manufacture various electrical and electronic systems, which is essential in our modern world.
- Mechanical engineering –is another essential branch of engineering that focuses on the production and design of physical or mechanical systems. Some of the most notable works of mechanical engineering are the creation of automobiles, aircraft, and many other transportation products.
Along with engineering is the advancement of technology. The technology could be common in our modern world since experts often use the term to relate it to various products. Furthermore, the technology consists of a variety of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in manufacturing goods or services. We can also relate its definition to the knowledge of techniques or processes, which inventors often use to embed in various machines.
The advancement of technology became evident over the years, and it is related to engineering due to its application of scientific principles. Throughout the years, numerous scientists contribute to its development, which helped it reach the advanced stage that it is today.
What is the origin of engineering?
We can trace back the origin of engineering to various ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Roman, and Indian. All of these ancient civilizations made their versions of engineering marvels. Some of the notable creations during this period were the pyramids of Egypt, which is still a living testimony of the magnificent engineering during ancient times.
The earliest engineers who made remarkable contributions to the development of engineering were Imhotep and Archimedes, who lived to two different civilizations. Both of them are responsible for the creation of various ancient structures and designs of machines, which sparked the interests of many scientists and engineers over the years.
Fast-forward to the 9th century when engineering made a breakthrough in its development. During this time, the earliest practical wind-powered machines were invented in the Muslim World. These wind-powered machines include the windmill and the windpump, which became well-known in the Islamic Golden Age, up to our modern world.
Years later, the advancement of engineering grew rapidly, especially with the works of various scientists and engineers who devote to its development. During the 18th century, the practice of engineering became more popular as a profession; wherein many people use it to design and manufacture different products and structures. During this time, engineering became a significant part of the development of a society, which led to the more advanced civilization that we have today.