What Is So Special About Engineering Technology ?: Engineering Technologist in Society (CLB 40002) Group Assignment 1
What Is So Special About Engineering Technology ?: Engineering Technologist in Society (CLB 40002) Group Assignment 1
What Is So Special About Engineering Technology ?: Engineering Technologist in Society (CLB 40002) Group Assignment 1
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QUESTION 1
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY ?
What is the difference between an engineering degree and an engineering technology
degree? The short answer is that Engineering Technology (ET) is the applied side of
Engineering. The Engineering Technology degree program does not require calculus, but does
require more applied hands-on labs and coursework.
Engineering Technology is the profession in which knowledge of technology, applied science,
and mathematics is devoted to the application of engineering solutions for the benefit of
humanity. Besides that, Engineering Technology with a specialization in Advanced
Manufacturing focuses primarily on applying, analyzing, implementing, and improving existing
technologies in support of modern manufacturing.
The degree program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed for
manufacturing sectors by providing the fundamentals of production processes, the
maintenance of those processes, quality assurance, and safety. Then students build upon those
fundamentals with more in-depth study of automation and instrumentation (including PLC
basics), metrology, process improvements (including total predictive maintenance, lubrication
technology, vibration, and alignment), as well as quality work practices utilizing Lean and Six
Sigma principles. In addition to these technical skills, students will learn the management
competencies needed to advance the efficient and effective performance within advanced
manufacturing entities.
Engineering technology is the profession in which knowledge of mathematics and natural
sciences gained by higher education, experience, and practice is devoted primarily to the
implementation and extension of existing technology for the benefit of humanity. Engineering
technology education focuses primarily on the applied aspects of science and engineering
aimed at preparing graduates for practice in that portion of the technological spectrum closest
to product improvement, manufacturing, construction, and engineering operational functions.
Engineering Technologist In Society (CLB 40002) Group Assignment 1
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QUESTION 2
An Example Explain the Specialty of Engineering Technology
There are enourmous engineering technologists found out there who specialist in different
disciplines. The job of an engineering technologist in all field are similar but the only different is
the working environment. Now, let us look out the job prospect of an environmental
engineering technologist.
Environmental engineering technologist work closely with environmental engineers and
scientists in developing methods and devices used in the prevention, control, or correction of
environmental hazards. They inspect and maintain equipment affecting air pollution and
recycling. Some inspect water and wastewater treatment systems to ensure that pollution
control requirements are met. They conduct pollution surveys, collecting and analyzing samples
such as air and ground water. Review technical documents to ensure completeness and
conformance to requirements. Perform laboratory work such as logging numerical and visual
observations, preparing and packaging samples, recording test results, and performing photo
documentation. Provide technical engineering support in the planning of projects, such as
wastewater treatment plants, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and
policies. Produce environmental assessment reports, tabulating data and preparing charts,
graphs and sketches. Work with customers to assess the environmental impact of proposed
construction and to develop pollution prevention programs.
Engineering Technologist In Society (CLB 40002) Group Assignment 1
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QUESTION 3
Future of Engineering Technology versus Engineering
There is a trend of increasing demand for engineering technologists globally.
Engineering technologists play a complementary role for engineers and they are a vital
component of the workforce for a nation to be industrialised. They are heavily involved in
implementing engineering works and applying engineering and scientific knowledge, combine
with technical skills to support engineering activities. There is a subtle difference in the
definition between engineers and engineering technologists, but their roles are distinct.
Engineering technologists are the closest to the engineers in the occupational spectrum.
Figure 1 : Spectrum of Engineering Technology & Engineering
As highlighted earlier, engineering technologists assist engineers in various areas and
sectors. They can be positioned in manufacturing or production, practice-oriented design and
development of new products, field engineering and maintenance, resource management,
quality control, and technical sales and service. Graduates eventually may become executives
of companies.
Engineering Technologist In Society (CLB 40002) Group Assignment 1
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The Engineering Technology programme is expected to produce competent workers
that would complement the engineers from the scientific path, with each having slightly
different traits but both having the minimum academic exposure to function as an engineer. As
a whole, the study supports the creation of the alternative path, the Engineering Technology,
which should be allowed to progress further into the professional route, instead of being a
terminal degree. This would ensure the continual upgrading of the knowledge and
competencies of engineers. Any indication to limit the progression of engineering technologists
into the professional route should be seen as a step backward and creating a second-class
professional in the engineering sector.
Figure 2 : Specific job titles assigned to each degree category ( survey by Ronald E.Land )
The above chart reveals that the demand for engineering technology equalise the
demand for engineering. Hence, to improve the lifestyle of human civilization both of the field
have great future to realize it. Combination of skilled power man (engineering technologist) and
knowledged power man (engineer) could be able to create an awesome technological world.