Introduction to Engineering and Computer Science Fundamentals

Course Overview and Administration

• Course Identification:     - Course Name: ENG103: English for Engineering and Computer Science     - Institution: Buraydah Colleges (كليات بريدة)     - Instructor: Associate Prof. Ibrahim Omara

• Course Description and Scope:     - This course is designed to cover terminal topics related to engineering and computer-related disciplines.     - Specific fields of focus include:         - Computer Engineering         - Information Technology         - Electrical Engineering     - Core topics addressed in the syllabus:         - Engineering Fields         - Computer Hardware         - Computer Software         - Communication Systems         - Electronics         - Electric Machines         - Renewable Energy         - Architecture

• Students' Assessment Schedule:     - Quizzes (1, 2, and 3):         - Due Date: Weeks $4$, $9$, and $12$         - Weight: $15\,\%$     - Research Tasks:         - Due Date: Weeks $6$ and $10$         - Weight: $10\,\%$     - Midterm Exam:         - Due Date: Week $9$         - Weight: $25\,\%$     - Presentation:         - Due Date: Weeks $7$ and $11$         - Weight: $10\,\%$     - Final Exam:         - Due Date: Week $17$         - Weight: $40\,\%$

Introduction to Engineering

• Definition of Engineering:     - Engineering is defined as the application of mathematics and scientific principles specifically used to better or improve human life.

• Definition of an Engineer:     - An engineer is a professional trained in the use of technological and scientific knowledge.     - The primary objective of an engineer is to solve practical problems.

Professional Roles in Engineering

• Research:     - Primary Objectives:         - To employ basic scientific principles in the discovery of new knowledge.         - To find knowledge that serves a commercial or economic value.         - To develop existing products or invent entirely new ones.         - To "discover truths" regarding a specific subject matter.

• Development:     - Involves the actual construction, fabrication, assembly, layout, and testing of pilot processes or procedures intended for functional use.     - Unlike research, development does not typically deal with new discoveries.     - It focuses on using well-known principles and employing existing machines or processes to perform new or unusual functions.

• Design:     - Responsibilities:         - Anticipating all potential problems a user might create when applying a machine.         - Preventing user errors, accidents, and general dissatisfaction.     - Requirements:         - Critical mastery of basic engineering principles and mathematics.         - A deep understanding of the inherent capabilities of machines.

• Supervision:     - A supervising engineer must take the official drawings from the design engineer and manage the assembly of the object as it was originally conceived.     - This role requires close collaboration with technicians, mechanics, and laborers.     - Requires knowledge of structural materials, fabrication processes, and general physical principles to estimate both the time and the cost ($cost$) required to accomplish a given task.

• Management:     - Listed as a core activity of engineers alongside research, development, design, and supervision.

Major Engineering Disciplines

• Context:     - Engineering disciplines are not static; they are constantly evolving and reproducing additional sub-disciplines.

• Computer Engineering:     - Focus: The design and organization of computers, specifically hardware and software.     - Market Insights: The automotive industry is currently the largest consumer of computers.     - Key Areas:         - Hardware and Chip Design         - Development of Software Applications         - Chip Fabrication     - Common Employers:         - Cisco, Sun, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Apple, Google, Yahoo.         - Wireless service providers (cell phone services).         - Manufacturers of hand-held devices.         - GIS/GPS businesses.         - eBay and Amazon.         - Self-employment opportunities.

• Cyber Security Engineering:     - Definition: The practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malware attacks.     - The Cyber Security Engineer: The individual responsible for safeguarding hardware, software, and networks.     - Core Responsibilities:         - Detecting security issues.         - Inspecting security risks.

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering:     - Scientific Focus: Deals primarily with the motion of electrons within metals.     - Work Areas:         - Large electrical systems.         - Motors and generators.         - Electrical circuits in buildings.         - Power transmission systems.         - Electrical generation plants.

• Aerospace Engineering:     - Focus: Designing and developing technology for commercial aviation, national defense, and space exploration.     - Notable Achievement: In $1990$, aerospace engineers helped launch the Hubble Space Telescope, which allowed humans to see $10$ times farther than previously possible.     - Products: Aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.     - Employers: Boeing, NASA, Space Systems / Loral.

• Biomedical Engineering:     - Focus: Developing devices and procedures to solve medical and health-related problems.     - Collaboration: Working alongside medical professionals.     - Example Technologies:         - Laser systems for corrective eye surgery.         - Computers for blood analysis.         - Ultrasound imaging equipment.         - Implantable hip joints.

• Chemical Engineering:     - Focus: Taking chemical reactions and scaling them up for large manufacturing processes.     - Processes: Treating and processing liquids and gases (e.g., desalinating seawater).     - Materials: Petroleum and plastics.     - Environmental Application: Pollution control is considered an area of chemical engineering (often termed environmental engineering).     - Common Tasks:         - Food processing.         - Environmental analysis.         - Petroleum and plastics processing.         - Manufacturing of cosmetics, perfumes, and flavorings.