THE ENGINEERING OF TODAY
The meaning of the word engineering has changed since it was first coined in the 14th century but it plays an increasingly significant role in modern technology and process systems. The term ‘engineering’ is derived from the word ‘engineer’, which dates back to 1390, when an engineer was a constructor of military engines. But in today’s world, any engineer worth his salt knows how to multi-task.
Put simply, engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical knowledge to solve problems in the real world, and the four major disciplines of engineering are mechanical, civil
, electrical
and chemical. Whilst traditionally an engineer would specialise in just one discipline, today’s breed have to be polymaths.
In modern times, a process engineer is often expected to have knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, as well as software design, and engineering for safety. As process systems come to rely more and more on electronics and connectivity, the level of multidisciplinary knowledge a process engineer requires increases.







