Chapter 1:

ENGINEERING CHALLENGES
IN MODERN SOCIETY
1-1 The challenges faced by engineers in making modern life
possible
1-2 Assurance of public safety, health and clean environment
1-3 Impacts of human-induced climate change, greenhouse effects,
global warming
1-4 Incorporation of public and environmental safety in engineering
designs
1-5 Threat of depletion of fossil fuels, energy efficiency and
renewable energy
 Chapter 1:
ENGINEERING CHALLENGES
IN MODERN SOCIETY

1-1 The challenges faced by engineers

in making modern life possible.
Chapter 1: Engineering Challenges in Modern Society

The challenges faced by engineers in making modern life possible. Assurance of public safety,
health and clean environment. Impacts of human-induced climate change, greenhouse effects, global
warming. Incorporation of public and environmental safety in engineering designs. Threat of depletion
of fossil fuels, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Lecture Objectives
Engineering Challenges in Modern Society

The challenges faced by engineers in making modern life possible. Assurance of public safety,
health and clean environment. Impacts of human-induced climate change, greenhouse effects, global
warming. Incorporation of public and environmental safety in engineering designs. Threat of depletion
of fossil fuels, energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Learning Outcomes

LO1 - Characterize professional ethics, sustainability and cost-effectiveness in

√
engineering design and practice.(cognitive, understanding, level 2)
LO2 - Apply engineering principles in handling societal and environmental issues and
engineering practices (cognitive, applying, level 3)
√
LO3 - Apply professional and ethical judgement in design and development of
√
engineering obligations (cognitive, applying level 3)
LO4 - Establish high integrity of professionalism of engineering practices in societal
√
and environmental contexts.(cognitive, analysing, level 4)
Programme Outcomes

PO8 - Understand the importance of sustainability and cost-effectiveness in design and

development of professional engineering solutions, and their impacts in societal and
environmental contexts

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 3

Contents
 A1. Definition of Engineering
 A2. Engineer in Society
 A3. Dominance of Engineering
 A4. Challenges of Engineers

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 4

 A1. Definition of
Engineering

Chapter 1-1 EHM3066 Engineer and Society 5

 Grand Challenges for
Engineering
Engineering is the driving force to modern
civilization.
Engineering has revolutionized and improved
every aspect of human life.
These include development and distribution of
electricity and clean water, automobiles and
airplanes, radio and television, spacecraft and
lasers, antibiotics and medical imaging,
computers and the Internet …….
Chapter 1-1 EHM3066 Engineer and Society 6
 What it means to be an
engineer?
 A vocation whose principal duty is to
serve mankind.
 Applying knowledge to create
practical devices, structures and
processes.
 In contrast: Scientist aims to seek
knowledge.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 7

What is the difference between
Scientist and Engineer?
 Some people say there is no difference
between a scientist and an engineer, while
other people think the two careers are totally
separate from each other.
 Scientists and engineers typically have strong
opinions about what they do, which makes
sense, since it involves discovering,
inventing, and improving pretty much
everything, right?
 How would you describe the difference between
a scientist and an engineer?
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 8
What is the difference between
Scientist and Engineer?
 Scientists are the ones who create the
theories, engineers are the ones who
implement them.
 They compliment each other, and often
work together, the scientists telling the
engineers what to make and the engineers
telling the scientists the constraints that
said thing to be made doesn't meet.
 They are indeed different, but they work
very close together.
 — The Walker EHM3066 Engineer and Society 9
 What is the difference between
Scientist and Engineer?
Scientists ask what happens and why in the
natural world, while engineers use the
answers scientists find to create new
inventions and ideas not in the natural world.
Both are equally important, as without
scientists engineers would not create,

and without engineers the research

scientists do would be wasted. They go hand
in hand.
— ashley EHM3066 Engineer and Society 10
What is the difference between
Scientist and Engineer?
 There is hardly any difference between the
two. In the end it is all mathematics and
physics. — Logical

 Science is about knowledge and engineering

about invention.
 — Aburo Leusttas

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 11

 What is the difference between
Scientist and Engineer?
 Science is a lot of high level theory and engineering is
implementation and optimization.
 Often a Computer Scientist will come up with a plan
that a Soft Engineer have to modify because the
theory is not realistic enough to be in production.
Engineers deal with math, efficiency and optimization
while Scientist deal with "what is possible".
 A Scientist would be happy spending a million dollar
creating a trinket worth 10 dollars as long as it's good
science. An engineer don't have that luxury.
 — Ying
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 12
 What is the difference between
Scientist and Engineer?
 Scientists, Engineers (and yes, managers) are all after
the same thing!
 Science explores the phenomena of nature and
attempts to find the laws that govern them
 Engeering attempts to use the laws of nature
(already known) to replicate them in situations leading
to usable end results

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 13

 Engineering
- origins of the word
 Practical form of art and a
profession, evolved from the work of
builders thousands of years ago.
 Originated probably in the Middle Ages
around 1000-1200 AD
 They were mainly builders of civil and
mechanical structures such as
buildings, bridges, roads, mills and
war machines
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 14
 What is Engineering ?
 The profession in which a knowledge of
the mathematical and natural
sciences gained by study, experience
and practice is applied with judgement
 to develop ways to utilize, economically,

the materials and forces of nature for the

benefit of mankind
-(the accreditation board for
engineering and technology (ABET)
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 15
 Engineering in Daily Life
―Engineers have a hand in designing,
creating, or modifying nearly
everything we touch, wear, eat,
see, and hear in our daily lives.‖

- American Society of Engineering Education

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 16

What is IEM?
 The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia
(IEM) was established in 1959
 its primary function is to promote and
advance the science and profession of
engineering in any or all of its disciplines
and to facilitate the exchange of
information and ideas related to engineering.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 17

IEM Definition of Engineering
 Share a common heritage of knowledge,
skill and art.
 Renders a specialized service.
 Involves a confidential relationship between
practitioner-client and/or employer.
 Is charged with a substantial degree of
public obligation.
 Is bound by a distinctive Ethical Code.
 Has learned organizations or societies.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 18

Engineering is..
 A profession: it has standards of conduct,
responsibilities, is based on specialized knowledge
and members can attain professional status in well-
defined ways.
 An art as well as science: experience and practice
is required.
 The application of professional judgment in
seeking optimum solutions.
 The utilization of resources: nature, forces,
energy, material, knowledge.
 An exercise in optimizing economic cost.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 19

... with rules of conduct
pertaining
 Who is permitted to practice?
 What are an engineer’s obligations to
his/her client or employer and his/her
colleagues?
 What further obligations does an engineer
owe to society?
 By what standards shall an engineer be
compensated?
 How and by whom shall an engineer’s
professional conduct be judged?
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 20
Functions of Engineers
 Engineers act as a leader to
technicians, craftsmen and workers.
 Engineers should be familiar with the
skills of his/her subordinates, and in
addition to that, innovate, design,
make decisions and, foresee,
identify, assess, and solve
problems.
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 21
Science & Technology
 Science:
 Business of seeking knowledge
 Technology:
 Intelligent organization and manipulation
of materials for useful purposes

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 22

 Science vs. Engineering
SCIENCE ENGINEERING

 Analysis: ask questions,  Synthesis: integrate bits

look for patterns, develop of knowledge to create
knowledge something new
 Produce knowledge  Produce processes and
 Characteristic activity: things (part of
research technology)
(learn about nature)  Characteristic activity:
 Study of what is creative design
 Study of what never
was
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 23
Science and Engineering

Engineering uses
scientific,
technological and
mathematical
knowledge to solve
practical problems.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 24

A2.Engineer in Society

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 25

Engineer in Society

Society

Interaction of
engineering,
Technology

Creativity
Engineering
science,
technology
and society
Science

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 26

 Engineer in Society
Engineering is everywhere

Everyone knows
things like these….

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 27

 Types of Engineering
Science is divided into separate fields such as
biology, chemistry and physics.
Engineering is divided into a variety of disciplines. The
five largest engineering disciplines are
chemical, civil, electrical, industrial and
mechanical.
Engineers within all of these disciplines able to work in
product-oriented companies, government or
academia.
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 28
 Aerospace Engineering Aerospace engineers
design, analyze, model, simulate, and test
aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and
rockets. Aerospace technology also extends to many
other applications of objects moving within gases or
liquids. Examples are golf balls, high-speed trains,
hydrofoil ships, or tall buildings in the wind. Aerospace
engineers are typically specialists in fields with fancy
names such as aerodynamics, propulsion, navigation,
flight testing, and more.
Biomedical Engineering This is an
interdisciplinary field combining mechanical,
electrical, and chemical engineering to study the
human body. Biomedical Engineers study
biology and medicine to develop technologies
related to health care. They develop medical
diagnostic machines, medical instruments, artificial
organs, joint replacement parts, and prosthetic
devices.
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 29
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineers
use their knowledge of physics, chemistry,
and biology to discover and manufacture
better plastics, paints, fuels, fibers,
medicines, fertilizers, semiconductors,
paper, and all other kinds of chemicals, by
carrying out chemical reactions and purifications.

Civil Engineering The design and

construction of buildings, dams, water
treatment and carrying systems, air
pollution controls, and transportation
systems are the responsibilities of civil
engineers. Subheadings of civil engineering
include: geotechnical, environmental, structural,
transportation, materials, and project
management.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 30

Computer Science and Engineering Computer
scientists and engineers are involved in the
development of both hardware and software for
computers. They work on computer-related systems
like CD-ROMs, modems and monitors, as well as
cutting-edge projects including robotics and virtual
reality systems.

Environmental Engineering Keeping the water,

air and soil healthy are the responsibilities of
environmental engineers. To accomplish this goal
they deal with issues including waste management,
pollution control and irrigation.
Electrical/Electronics Engineering Electrical
/electronics engineering deals with electricity,
magnetism, and light and how it is used. Electrical
engineers are found in a variety of companies
including the computer, communications, and
automotive industries.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 31

Mechanical Engineering Engineers within
this discipline tend to focus on one of three
aspects of mechanical engineering; design,
manufacturing, or energy/power. Cars,
airplanes and toys are just a few of the
areas in which mechanical engineers
work.

Petroleum Engineering Petroleum

engineers study the earth to find oil and
gas reservoirs. They design oil wells,
storage tanks, and transportation
systems. They supervise the construction and
operation of oil and gas fields. Petroleum
engineers are researching new technologies to
allow more oil and gas to be extracted from
each well. They help supply the world's need for
energy and chemical raw materials.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 32

Objectives of the course
 Learn the social side of engineering
 Includes issues like national development,
environment, social and professionalism
 This is no less important than your technical
knowledge
 In reality, engineers are expected to
analyse situations and problems
 and propose rational solutions or
recommendations
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 33
Why choose engineering?
 Better job opportunity
 Financial security
 Engineering graduates receive the

highest starting salary of any

discipline

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 34

... in the following areas:
 R&D
 Design
 Construction
 Sales
 Production
 Operations
 Management
 In various fields of Engineering…..
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 35
 Why choosing engineering?
 Prestige
 Intellectual development
 Benefit society
 Professional environment
 Creative thinking

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 36

 Why choosing engineering?
 Prestige
 Engineers greatly help
 sustain our nation's international competitiveness

 maintain our standard of living

 ensure a strong national security

 protect public safety

 People know that engineering requires hard work and

strong technical skills.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 37

Why choosing engineering?
 Intellectual development
 An engineering education will develop your ability
to think logically and to solve problems

 Benefit society
 You can choose projects that benefit society
 Cleaning the environment
 Developing prosthetic aids for disabled persons
 Finding new sources of energy.
 And others……..
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 38
Why choosing engineering?
 Professional environment
 You will work in a professional environment in
which you will be treated with respect and have
some freedom in choosing your work.

 Creative thinking
 We are in a time of rapid social and technological
changes, therefore, the need for engineers to
think creatively is greater than ever before.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 39

A3. Dominance of
Engineering

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 40

 Dominance of Engineering
 Engineering gives shape to our world
 Cars, computers, airplanes and bridges
are all products of imaginative engineering
 Even bubble gum, baseball bats, movie
special effects, roller coasters, and
synthetic human tissue replacements are
engineering products.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 41

 Dominance of Engineering
 Engineers design, create, or modify
nearly everything we touch, wear, eat,
see, and hear in our daily lives.
 Their innovations and inventions fuel
economic growth, fortify national
security, improve healthcare, and
safeguard the environment.

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 42

Engineers are
Inventors and
Innovators

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 43

Engineers are Inventors and
Innovators
 Using science and math to solve real
world problems.
 virtually every manmade gadget and
equipment are from the making of an
engineer!

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 44

 Engineers are Inventors and
Innovators
 Invent – Develop a new product, system
or process that has never existed before
 Innovate – Improve an existing
technological product, system or method
Design Build Orchestrate

Create Analyze Invent

Improve Evaluate Conceive

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 45
 Invent a Product
Example Science Technology Engineering Math
Discovery of Creating a Designing a Determine
graphite and writing device device with the optimal
the fact that that doesn’t proper sizing, length,
rubber use ink ergonomically diameter, or
(eraser) will and shape for
remove economically the device.
graphite designed,
having graphite
Pencil insert, exterior
holder, and
attached eraser

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 46

Resolve Future Dilemmas

850 books
(2/3 of a ton)
EHM3066 Engineer and Society 47
 Solve Many Kinds of Problems
 Electrical engineer designs GPS for vehicles.
 Pharmaceutical/chemical engineer finds cure for disease.
 Computer engineer builds computer the size of watch.
 Mechanical engineer creates a robot vehicle to discover
water on a planet.
 Civil engineer designs low cost houses for the poor.
 Agricultural engineer evaluates the effects of global
warming on food production.

Engineers make our lives better !

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 48
A4. Challenges of
Engineer

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 49

Challenges of Engineers and
the Needs of Society
 Huge challenges by humanity in the 21st
century
 Energy

 Food security

 Scarcity of natural resources

 Climate change

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 50

 Challenges of Engineer
Energy
Environment Reducing Vulnerability to
Global Warming Human and Natural Threats
Sustainability

Expand and Enhance

Improve Medicine and
Human Capability
Healthcare Delivery
And Joy

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 51

 Challenges of Engineers and
the Needs of Society
New Issues and Demands
 Sustainable engineering systems

 Low-carbon energy technologies

 Robust physical infrastructure against

new phenomena of physical hazards
 Rise in sea-level

 Extreme meteorological events

EHM3066 Engineer and Society 52