1 An Introduction to Engineering

WHAT IS AN ENGINEER?                                                                                              

We can see engineering everywhere in the world around us – improving the ways we work, travel, communicate, and live. The term “engineer” comes from the Latin word “ingenium”, which means talent, genius cleverness, or native ability1. An “engineer” is a broad and complex term, but in order to understand what engineers do and why they are important, let’s first look at a general way to define them in today’s society.

An engineer is an individual who uses science, math, and technology to solve problems in a rational and economic way subject to human, societal, and environmental constraints [1].
THE ROLE OF AN ENGINEER                                                                                           
An “engineer” describes one individual person, but due to the great depth and complexity of many problems and projects, engineering is often done as a team effort. Engineering teams usually include people with a wide variety of skills, abilities, interests, and educations, who may all have different roles to play [1].
Engineers have the ability to contribute significantly to the quality of life in society.
.
ENGINEERING IN CANADA                                                                                              

The Iron Ring

The Iron ring is a symbol of professional duty and obligation and is worn by Canadian engineers. This tradition began in 1922 when a group of Montreal engineers met to consider the solidarity of and means for providing guidance to their profession [2]. This ring was adopted as a symbol of the ritual, as a tangible reminder to those who wear it that they have specific obligations, essential to the ethical performance of their duties [2].

To learn more visit:

  1. Iron Ring
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia
  3. Engineers Canada

Canadian Achievements

Railway

The construction of the railway system is regarded as one of Canada’s engineering feats. the railway extends from coast to coast, and it linked Canada to the rest of the world [3]. The railway was crucial to the connection of the new confederation as it was hard to reach British Columbia. It would have been easier to travel from Hong Kong as it was easier, faster, and cheaper than from Halifax [3]. The railway was also important for the transportation of people and crucial to the settlement and growth of western Canada. the railways also allowed the exchange of goods from the west to the east and vice versa [3].

For more information visit The Canadian Encyclopedia

Rideau Canal

the Rideau Canal, built in 1832, was created to protect Canada from American invasion. The St.Lawrence route was a vulnerable route to take so the Rideau Canal provided a secure supply route from Montreal to Kingston [4]. The canal was a great engineering accomplishment because it was entirely man-made, and its construction involved extensive excavations, digging, and blasting through Ricky terrain and dense forests [4]. the canal stretches for 202 kilometers and includes a series of locks, dams, and 47 water-filled sections to maintain a navigable waterway [4].

For more information visit The Canadian Encyclopedia

De Havilland Beaver DHC-2 aircraft

first flying in 1947, the De Havilland Beaver DHC-2 aircraft proved that the sky is the limit for Canadian engineering [5]. This aircraft has the ability for a short takeoff and landing, and the ability to land and takeoff on water or snow. This aircraft became essential in cargo and passenger hauling, aerial applications, and other aviation [5].

For more information visit The Canadian Encyclopedia

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINES                                                                                           

As of 2022, there are 220 accredited engineering programs in Canada offering over 60 different engineering disciplines at 43 Canadian institutions.

Currently Accredited University of Guelph Engineering Programs (as of 2023)

  • Biological
  • Biomedical
  • Computer
  • Systems & Computing
  • Environmental
  • Mechanical
  • Water Resources

To learn more:

Engineers Canada

Guelph Engineering

LIST OF ALL LINKS                                                                                                         

  1. Iron Ring
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia – Iron Ring
  3. Engineers Canada – Iron Ring
  4. The Canadian Encyclopedia – Railway
  5. The Canadian Encyclopedia – Rideau Canal
  6. The Canadian Encyclopedia – De Havilland Beaver DHC-2 Aircraft
  7. Engineers Canada – Accredited Institutions and Programs
  8. Guelph Engineering – Home Page

REFERENCES                                                                                                                    

[1] Andrews, G.C. et. al, Introduction to Professional Engineering in Canada, 2019 p.4)

[2] L. Bonikowsky, “Iron ring,” The Canadian Encyclopedia, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/iron-ring (accessed Aug. 21, 2023).

[3]  O. Lavalle, “Canadian Pacific Railway,”  The Canadian Encyclopedia, Mar. 06, 2008. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-pacific-railway (accessed Aug. 21, 2023).

[4] J. Marsh, “Colonel By and the Construction of the Rideau Canal,” The Canadian Encyclopedia, Sep. 17, 2013. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/building-the-rideau-canal-feature (accessed Aug. 21, 2023).

[5] J. Marsh and N. Baker, “De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver,” The Canadian Encyclopedia, Feb. 07, 2006. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/de-havilland-beaver (accessed Aug. 21, 2023).

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