College of Engineering

Summary Descriptions of Engineering Fields
Biological Engineers Think: adaptation of living systems from molecular to ecosystem levels • Create fermentation technologies that convert wastes to usable energy • Advance and apply sensor technologies to ensure the safety, desirable texture, and nutrient content of processed foods • Design aquaculture systems for fish farms and hatcheries • Develop ways to avoid repetitive body movements that cause worker injury	Chemical Engineers Think: large-scale chemical production and manufacture of products through chemical processes • Design better ways to produce food and safer pesticides and fertilizers • Develop cleaner manufacturing processes • Create cleaner fuels for vehicles and power plants • Streamline industrial processes to make pharmaceuticals more efficiently
Civil Engineers Think: design and construction of roads, bridges, dams, and large buildings • Build bridges, buildings, offshore oil rigs, or even amusement park rides • Design building foundations, tunnels, dams, harbors, and sea walls • Design, build and manage the systems that move people, goods, and materials • Design water and wastewater purification plants and other systems to protect the environment	Computer Engineers Think: design and development of computer equipment, processors, and interfaces • Design the next generation of computer chips and computer hardware • Interface electronic and mechanical devices with computer-based systems • Develop instrumentation and write expert system software • Advance and apply artificial intelligence, networking, and information processing techniques
Electrical Engineers Think: design of circuits, devices and digital controls within industrial settings • Design and build communications equipment (phones, radio, television) • Design micro-scale sensors and controls • Design and operate very complex plants, smart buildings, and power networks • Design robotic controls for machines, appliances, and manufacturing	Engineering Physics Think: grounding in basic physics underlying many developments in engineering • Apply science and math to technical problems without regard to formal boundaries among the various fields of physics or engineering • Pursue knowledge expansion related to astrophysics, biophysics, chaos, environmental radiation, liquid crystals, surface science, statistical mechanics, superconductivity, or similar interests
Mechanical Engineers Think: design, construction and operation of machines, engines, and power plants • Apply knowledge of mechanics and heat to design machinery and devices • Improve performance of machines and devices such as gas turbines, jet engines, and power plants • Design and test aircraft and rocket engines • Design and manufacture micro-probes, ultrasonic devices and systems for security applications	Undecided Engineering Think: seven different majors to consider in-depth before selecting one • Spend your first year of college in discovery mode • Attend an especially designed class to help you find the right engineering major for you • Discuss engineering options with faculty and practicing engineers in small group settings • Meet other engineering students that have chosen a major and learn from their experience