“Nothing is to swear to the engineer!” There seems to be something to the famous saying by the comic figure Daniel Düsentrieb. The engineers in the real world may not be bothered with intelligence rays for animals or thinking machines. Some of their inventions seem just as futuristic as those of the inventor from Duckburg – only that we have long got used to them.
Engineering Disciplines: An Overview
Engineers have made sure that we can communicate with each other via wireless internet connections or find our way using GPS. We also owe most of the progress in the treatment of diseases or the exploration of the universe with the help of the most modern space probes to engineers. Because they are specialists in technically implementing ideas of all kinds.
In almost every area of life and every industrial sector, we depend on the know-how of engineers. German universities and technical colleges offer a correspondingly wide range of engineering courses . In these, the students can specialize in individual fields of work.
Mechanical engineering
According to Usprivateschoolsfinder, the most classic of all engineering sciences is mechanical engineering . As the name suggests, this is about building machines. Since there is an unmanageably wide range of different machines, a large number of specialized study programs have emerged in addition to general mechanical engineering courses . These include, for example:
- Vehicle technology
- Aerospace Engineering
- Supply technology
- Production engineering
- Ship technology and nautical science
The mechatronics course is also part of the mechanical engineering discipline. However, it is characterized by the fact that knowledge from the fields of electrical engineering and computer science is also imparted. This is necessary for the development of “intelligent” electronic systems. A specialty of mechatronics is medical technology , in which small and large medical devices are developed.
Electrical engineering
Alternatively, anyone interested in electronic systems has the option of taking a degree in electrical engineering. This subject is primarily about electronic systems . In addition to technical knowledge, knowledge from the field of computer science is also increasingly required here.
Often the students have the opportunity to specialize in a certain area of electrical engineering, for example automation technology or microtechnology .
Information technology
Information technology cannot be separated from electrical engineering and is offered at some universities as a specialization in an electrical engineering course.
However, information technology is one of the most important technologies of our time. That is why there is a whole range of independent courses that deal with modern information and communication technologies. In it, the students are made familiar with the technical possibilities of modern data transmission . For this purpose, in addition to technical knowledge, they also acquire comprehensive software and hardware knowledge.
Process technology
Process engineering is another important engineering discipline. Here, the main focus is on the chemical processes that are necessary to convert certain raw materials into other substances .
Process engineers not only find out how these processes work, they also build the necessary industrial devices and systems. This requires knowledge from subjects as diverse as chemistry , biology , mechanical engineering and process engineering. Sub-areas of process engineering are, for example:
- the Chemical Engineering
- the food technology
- the brewing industry
Civil engineering
Those who are more interested in the “big picture” also have the opportunity to enter the construction industry with an engineering degree.
For example as an architect who is responsible for the design planning of all kinds of buildings . Civil engineers, on the other hand, ensure that the architects’ ideas are technically feasible. Urban and spatial planners approach the subject of building from a more general perspective: They are responsible for planning the development and infrastructure of entire districts or cities.
Further courses
In addition to these large subject areas, there are a number of other engineering courses that prepare students for special areas of work. This includes, for example, the subject of surveying / geodesy. This subject is about measuring the earth using the latest technology and thus providing valuable data for structural planning.
In the subject of mining / raw materials engineering, students become experts in raw material extraction.
The subject of printing and media technology provides the technical knowledge that is necessary to produce electronic media products and print media . Students who specialize in physical technology use the scientific findings from physics to develop new technical devices and processes. The subject of materials science is about developing new materials that can be used in all engineering work areas.
Personal requirements for an engineering degree
Whichever subject you choose: Engineering students should definitely be interested in natural science subjects . In all bachelor programs, knowledge in subjects such as physics, mathematics or chemistry is first imparted. These are necessary in order to understand the further course content.
The engineering content then differs from course to course. In degree programs in the field of mechanical engineering, subjects such as design are on the curriculum, while information technicians deal with digital technology.
Basically, however, many engineering disciplines overlap in terms of content. For example, process engineers also attend events in the field of electrical engineering and vice versa. Computer science plays an important role in almost all courses. Budding engineers should not only be good at tinkering, they should also enjoy working with computer-aided technologies .
Advantages of studying engineering abroad
Because of their good training, German engineers are also in demand abroad. So if you wander into the distance, you have a good chance of getting a job with a foreign industrial company or in development cooperation. Some German companies also have production facilities abroad or work with business partners and companies from all over the world. Anyone who plans to work abroad or take on managerial positions at a later date should definitely
- have good foreign language skills,
- be able to work in international teams.
A semester abroad offers the unique opportunity to acquire these additional qualifications and at the same time get to know a different culture and make friends from all over the world.
Occupational fields
Engineers are needed in all branches of industry. The career prospects for engineering graduates are generally good. Well-trained graduates are particularly in demand in key sectors. These industries are:
- mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Information and communication technology
However, graduates from other disciplines also usually find a job quickly after graduation.
Many remain loyal to research even after they have left university. For example, you work in the research and development departments of the automotive industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the chemical industry, the mechanical engineering industry or the IT industry.
Other typical fields of activity of engineers are the assembly of new systems , quality assurance and quality management, project management , sales or customer service. Depending on the course, other areas of work are possible, such as the planning and construction of buildings.
