ChoosingCareer.co.uk

Technically Challenging Civil Engineering Courses

The word Engineer covers a very wide range of disciplines. Both auto and aero engineering appeal to a wide cross-section of people who want to be at the forefront of technology and science.

According to Loughborough University, there are more than 600 companies in the aerospace industry in Britain alone, with a combined turnover in excess of 17 billion pounds. In addition, the auto industry also has a global influence, not least from a design and development point of view.

Reputable Training

Training in the UK is excellent - in fact there are over thirty British universities offering aeronautical engineering based courses alone. Graduates can also follow on and take a PhD or MSc if they wish.

It's also possible to find other engineering diplomas and fitting vocational courses. The option of a one year placement in industry is available with most university degree courses, and most students choose to take this between the second and final year.

There may also be options for part-time study in some educational establishments. There are opportunities for some students to get sponsored whilst at university. This also usually means a work placement afterwards. It really is good advice to do your research thoroughly, as there are such a lot of alternatives to consider.

Automotive Engineers

Automotive engineering covers everything to do with designing and building cars, motorbikes, trucks and buses. Auto engineers need to have knowledge of several other engineering principles - primarily mechanical engineering. There are many new technologies in the automotive arena, so a great deal to think about for the student who's just getting started.

From initial concepts to manufacture, automotive engineering can be divided into three main streams. The first stage involves the design or product engineers. They are the people who design and test the components and systems on a vehicle.

The engineering attributes of an automobile are the responsibility of development engineers. Developers supply designers with various specs they have to comply with. Finally, the manufacturing engineers will work out how to actually make the vehicle.

Degree courses in automotive engineering are very demanding, but extremely interesting. Amongst other subjects, you will be taught about aerodynamics, performance, emissions and vehicle dynamics. There are also very strict regulations to be learned and adhered to in safety engineering. It's one thing for a component or system to work in isolation, but quite another for it to work in harmony with everything else on the vehicle.

Thus students will be taken through aspects of development or systems engineering. This area also covers trade-offs - such as learning how to achieve performance whilst maintaining fuel economy.

The final vehicle must also meet government regulations, which are becoming increasingly environmentally relevant.

When the design and development work are completed, the vehicle is ready for the manufacturing process. Manufacturing engineers need to learn how to plan and engineer both the individual parts and the whole vehicle assembly. At every assembly plant, manufacturing engineers have to plan out the body shop, the area for engine and transmission placement and the chassis and trim area.

The Aerospace Industry

Aeronautical engineers are involved in the research, design, manufacture and maintenance of all forms of aircraft. Those who study aeronautical engineering should be able to challenge conventional thinking. The aerospace industry needs people who are technical, analytical and lateral, who can also work well with others. (Formula One design engineers use aerospace technology as well, if that appeals to you).

Many severe conditions have to be endured for an aircraft to fly safely, with immense structural loads being placed upon them. Therefore aerospace engineering divides into very specialist areas, such as materials science and aerodynamics, which all come together to form the whole.

University students will be introduced to aircraft design techniques early on in their training, with modules on key analytical subjects. Analytical subjects like thermodynamics are usually taught through lectures and tutorials. The behaviour of fluid can now be tested with computerised simulations, reducing the time and expense spent on wind tunnel testing. (Students though will still carry out wind tunnel tests, and engage in experiments using jet engines).

Both Auto and Aero engineering students will benefit from a good deal of practical application. Degree course students will have a practical group assignment at some stage to design their own functional vehicle. Engineering degrees will also allow students to learn various other subjects and skills. These could include time management, teamwork, organisational techniques, leadership and foreign languages.

Aeronautical and automotive engineers are at the forefront of technological advances, and can make a valuable contribution to society. Graduates and Post-graduates can gain professional recognition as Incorporated Engineers or Chartered Engineers.