Unit 1

1. Definition of Engineering

• Engineering involves applying scientific and technical knowledge along with natural
laws to design and implement solutions (e.g., structures, systems, processes).
• The American Engineers’ Council defines it as creatively applying scientific
principles for designing and managing systems while considering safety, economics,
and functionality.

2. Historical Evolution

• Ancient Era:
o Early inventions: Pulley, lever, wheel.
o Notable achievements: Egyptian pyramids, Roman aqueducts, the Great Wall
of China.
o Early engineers: Imhotep (designed the Step Pyramid) and Archimedes
(mechanical innovations).
• Middle Era:
o Al-Jazari's contributions: Double-acting reciprocating piston pump.
• Renaissance Era:
o William Gilbert (father of electrical engineering).
o Thomas Savery's steam engine—paving the way for the Industrial Revolution.
• Modern Era:
o Progress in electrical, mechanical, chemical, and aerospace engineering fields
through inventions like the electric motor, transistor, and aviation
advancements.

3. Engineering Methodology

• Problem Solving:
o Engineers use physics, math, and design principles to identify and solve
problems within constraints like cost, safety, and functionality.
• Design Process:
o Understanding constraints.
o Weighing design options.
o Evaluating the best fit for requirements.

4. Relationship Between Disciplines

• Art: Provides creativity and emotional depth.

• Mathematics: Ensures precision in calculations.
 • Science: Provides theoretical frameworks.
• Technology: Implements ideas into practical tools.

5. STEAM Education

• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics):

o Introduced to integrate creative arts into STEM education for fostering
innovation.
o Promotes transdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving.
o Encourages experiential learning and collaboration.

6. Attributes of an Engineer

Successful engineers possess these qualities:

1. Teamwork: Collaborating in diverse groups.

2. Continuous Learning: Staying updated with new technologies.
3. Creativity: Thinking innovatively.
4. Problem-Solving: Addressing challenges methodically.
5. Analytical Skills: Evaluating problems critically.
6. Communication: Explaining technical details effectively.
7. Logical Thinking: Understanding systems holistically.
8. Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy.
9. Mathematical Proficiency: Essential for simulations and models.
10. Leadership: Inspiring and guiding teams.

7. Standards and Accreditation

• ABET EC2000 Criteria:

o Sets learning outcomes for engineering education (e.g., teamwork, ethical
responsibility, life-long learning).
• Engineering Standards for K-12:
o Introduces engineering concepts early to cultivate interest and literacy.

8. Engineering Habits of Mind

1. Systems Thinking: Understanding interdependencies in systems.

2. Problem-Finding: Framing issues accurately.
3. Visualizing: Translating abstract concepts into practical designs.
4. Improving: Constant innovation and refinement.
5. Creative Problem-Solving: Combining ideas from multiple disciplines.
 6. Adapting: Modifying solutions based on situational needs.

9. Engineering and Society

• Impact: Engineers must understand the global and societal effects of their solutions.
• Technological Literacy: Encourages public understanding of technology’s role in
meeting human needs.

Study Focus Areas

1. Historical advancements (e.g., contributions of Imhotep, Al-Jazari, and the

Renaissance era innovations).
2. The methodology of engineering, including the design process and problem-solving
steps.
3. STEAM education and its benefits.
4. Attributes of successful engineers and their applications in real-world scenarios.
5. ABET EC2000 outcomes and their emphasis on ethical responsibilities and societal
impacts.

Unit 3

1. Epistemology of Engineering

• Definitions:
o Science: Studies the natural world as it is.
o Engineering: Creates new tools, devices, and processes based on scientific
knowledge.
o Technology: The collection of engineered tools, devices, and processes.
• Comparison:
o Science derives knowledge from observation.
o Engineering applies this knowledge to create.
o Technology tests and applies these engineered solutions repeatedly.

2. Four Dimensions of Engineering

 1. Basic Sciences Dimension:
o Focus: Application of natural and exact sciences.
o Values: Logic, rigor, analysis, and experimentation.
o Modus Operandi: Research and discovery of principles.
2. Social Sciences Dimension:
o Engineers as social experts who consider the societal impacts of their actions.
o Central Values: Social and economic value creation, end-user satisfaction.
3. Design Dimension:
o Engineering as the art of design using systems thinking and intuition.
o Key Decisions: Based on incomplete knowledge, experience, and creativity.
4. Practical Accomplishment Dimension:
o Focus: Ability to overcome challenges with flexibility and perseverance.
o Key Value: Transforming ideas into tangible outcomes.

3. RAISEC Model (Personality Types and Careers)

• Realistic (Doers): Hands-on, practical, prefer physical skills.

• Investigative (Thinkers): Analytical, data-focused, prefer structured tasks.
• Artistic (Creators): Intuitive, expressive, prefer variety and unstructured
environments.
• Social (Helpers): Empathetic, collaborative, excel in people-focused roles.
• Enterprising (Persuaders): Goal-oriented, leadership-driven, excel in decision-
making.
• Conventional (Organizers): Detail-oriented, structured, excel in systematic work.

4. Epistemology of Engineering Design

• Design as Activity:
o Relates to conceptualizing and creating new products.
o Includes fields like art, architecture, and engineering.
• Design as Planning:
o Focuses on mental processes for decision-making.
o Applies to fields like business and military strategy.
• Design as Epistemology:
o Uses synthetic methodologies to address change.
o Contrasts with analytic methods used in scientific fields.

5. Key Philosophical Questions in Engineering

1. Ontological: What reality can engineering know?

2. Epistemological: What is engineering knowledge?
3. Methodological: How can engineering knowledge be built?
4. Axiological: What is the worth and value of engineering knowledge?
 • Distinctive Features of Engineering Knowledge:
o Emphasizes creativity, abductive reasoning, and critical discussion.
o Combines scientific rigor with intuitive and unsystematic steps.

6. Rigour, Creativity, and Change in Engineering

• Challenges:
o Tight schedules and financial constraints.
o Limited time for experimentation.
o Risk of unreliable parts or management dismissal of innovative ideas.
• Suggestions for Success:
o Develop and list solutions early in the design process.
o Engage in teamwork and maintain flexibility.
o Simplify designs and consider future adaptability.
o Collaborate across disciplines and with customers to refine ideas.
o Be resourceful with parts and ensure reliability.

Study Tips

• Understand Definitions: Clearly differentiate between science, engineering, and

technology.
• Explore Dimensions: Study the four dimensions of engineering and how they
integrate various skills.
• Personality Types: Relate the RAISEC model to career options.
• Philosophical Questions: Reflect on how these apply to real-world engineering
challenges.
• Practical Insights: Focus on real-world problem-solving tips mentioned in the design
process.

This breakdown will help you organize your study plan. Let me know if you'd like a detailed
explanation of any specific section!

Unit 4

1. Difference Between Scientific Method and Engineering Design

 • Scientific Method:
o Steps: State the question → Do background research → Formulate hypothesis
→ Design experiment → Test hypothesis → Analyze results → Communicate
results.
o Focus: Understanding how nature works through testable explanations and
predictions.
• Engineering Design Process:
o Steps: Define the problem → Do research → Specify requirements →
Develop solutions → Build prototypes → Test and redesign as necessary →
Communicate results.
o Focus: Creating solutions to practical problems.
• Overlap: Engineers often apply scientific principles, while scientists sometimes
engage in engineering.

2. ADDIE Model

• Phases:
1. Analysis: Identify audience, objectives, constraints, and learning environment.
2. Design: Develop objectives, assessments, and instructional strategies; create
storyboards and prototypes.
3. Development: Assemble content, integrate technologies, debug, and review.
4. Implementation: Train facilitators, prepare materials, and deploy tools.
5. Evaluation: Conduct formative (ongoing) and summative (final) assessments.
• Purpose: A structured approach to instructional systems design, emphasizing iterative
improvement.

3. CDIO Framework

• Stages:
o Conceive: Define customer needs, business plans, and strategies.
o Design: Develop plans, drawings, and algorithms.
o Implement: Transform designs into products via manufacturing, coding, and
testing.
o Operate: Use the product, maintain it, and eventually retire the system.

4. Engineering Design Process

• Steps:
1. Define the problem and establish objectives.
2. Brainstorm solutions and research ideas.
3. Set criteria and constraints.
4. Compare alternative solutions.
5. Develop a design proposal and create prototypes.
6. Test, refine, and finalize the design.
 7. Communicate results through reports or presentations.
• Key Features:
o Iterative process: Testing and refinement occur multiple times.
o Applies science, math, and engineering for optimization.

5. Operational Factors in System Design

• Key Considerations:
o Integrity and Consistency: Maintain data reliability through backups and
redundancy.
o Performance and Scalability: Design elastic systems to handle variable
traffic.
o Deployment Strategy: Use CI/CD for efficient updates.
o Security: Prioritize data protection with robust security measures.
o User Experience: Ensure inclusivity and ease of navigation for all users.
o Recovery Planning: Prepare for data recovery and continuity in emergencies.
o Unit Testing: Use automation and code reviews to maintain quality.
o Application Monitoring: Implement tools for identifying and diagnosing
system failures.

Study Recommendations

• Focus on understanding the differences between the Scientific Method and

Engineering Design Process.
• Review the phases of the ADDIE Model and their application in training and
instructional design.
• Explore the CDIO Framework to understand the stages of product development.
• Practice the steps of the Engineering Design Process through case studies or
examples.
• Familiarize yourself with the operational factors in system design, particularly in
areas like scalability, security, and user experience.

Unit 5

Engineering and Society

• Health: Engineering has revolutionized the medical field, enabling advanced

diagnostic tools and treatments.
 • Technology: Engineers drive technological growth, impacting everyday life and
fostering global connectivity.
• Communication: Innovations in communication, from satellites to mobile
technology, enhance global interactions.
• Development: Contributions include transportation advancements like steam engines
and airplanes, facilitating trade and connectivity.
• Space Exploration: Engineers make space exploration feasible, exemplified by
projects like the International Space Station.

2. Engineer's Code of Ethics

• Preamble: Engineers must uphold honesty, integrity, and public welfare in their
work.
• Fundamental Canons:
o Prioritize public safety and welfare.
o Work within their areas of expertise.
o Ensure objectivity and truthfulness in professional communications.
o Avoid deceptive practices and conflicts of interest.
• Rules of Practice:
o Uphold safety and comply with standards.
o Maintain confidentiality and avoid fraudulent ventures.
o Report violations and promote ethical engineering practices.

3. Sustainability and Diversity

• Definition of Sustainability: Meeting current needs without compromising future

generations, focusing on environmental, economic, and ethical aspects (3Es).
o Environment: Reducing carbon footprints, waste, and energy usage while
fostering innovation through diversity.
o Ethics: Promoting equity, inclusion, fair wages, and ethical decision-making
within organizations.
o Economics: Aligning governance, profitability, and transparency with
diversity and inclusion for better decision-making.

4. Engineer’s Role in Sustainable Development

• Engineers should consider social, ethical, environmental, and economic dimensions in

their work:
o Recognize global impacts and engage with diverse cultural structures.
o Advocate sustainable solutions beyond legal compliance.
o Use resources efficiently and prioritize reducing waste and pollution.
o Involve stakeholders and adopt a multidisciplinary approach to tackle
sustainability challenges.

5. Professional Organizations for Engineers

• Top Organizations:
1. National Society of Professional Engineers: Focuses on non-technical
support for professional growth.
 2. IEEE: Advances global technology and offers networking opportunities.
3. American Association of Engineering Societies: Promotes cross-border
collaboration.
4. Society of Women Engineers: Empowers women through resources and
educational programs.
5. International Engineering Consortium: Enhances engineering education
and innovation.

Key Points for Exam Preparation

• Focus on the role of engineering in advancing society (health, technology,

communication, and space).
• Understand the Engineer’s Code of Ethics, emphasizing honesty, public welfare, and
ethical practices.
• Dive deep into sustainability principles: environmental, ethical, and economic
strategies for responsible engineering.
• Study the engineer’s role in sustainable development, including resource
management and risk minimization.
• Familiarize yourself with the major engineering organizations and their
contributions to professional growth.

Unit 2

Ontology: Ontology is the branch of philosophy that studies the concepts of existence, being,
becoming, and reality. It examines how entities are grouped into basic categories and which
of these entities exist at the most fundamental level. Ontology is sometimes referred to as the
"science of being" and belongs to the major branch of philosophy known as metaphysics.

The passage discusses two types of ontologies:

1. Reference Ontologies: These have a theoretical focus on representation. Reference

ontologies are constructed without any particular concerns for computational
efficiency. They tend to have three central characteristics:
o Arbitrary n-place predicates
o Full classical negation
o Unbounded, arbitrarily nested quantifiers

Reference ontologies generally take an unapologetic approach to using the full

expressiveness of first-order logic, even if it makes procedures intractable or
undecidable. This reflects a philosophical inclination toward realism.

2. Application Ontologies: Unlike reference ontologies, application ontologies are

typically designed with a specific computational application in mind. They are usually
 expressed in the language of some computationally tractable sub-logic of full first-
order logic, such as description logics. Key features of application ontologies include:
o Focused on reasoning about classes and "slots" through the use of unary and
(limited) binary predicates
o Allow conjunction and disjunction, but not full negation
o Take a more pragmatic, "instrumentalist" view of the world, seeing the objects
and structures we encounter as social constructs rather than metaphysical
realities

The passage explains that while reference ontologies reflect a strong realist perspective,
application ontologies adopt a more pragmatic, constructivist worldview. The two approaches
are philosophically quite different, but the author suggests they can be complementary in
knowledge engineering tasks.

Product Life Cycle (PLC): The passage then delves into the concept of the product life cycle,
which is an assumption that every product goes through a predictable pattern of introduction,
growth, maturity, and decline over time.

The four stages of the PLC are:

1. Product Development: This is when the new product is introduced and all the research
and development happens.
2. Product Growth: At this stage, the product transitions from an idea or prototype to
being manufactured, marketed, and released. Distribution, demand, and competition
all increase.
3. Product Maturity: During this stage, the product becomes widely available in the
marketplace. There are many competitors, but increased advertising or new market
segments have little impact on demand.
4. Product Decline: The product is losing market share or becoming obsolete, as it has
passed its point of highest demand and the demand decreases.

The passage also discusses how the product life cycle affects the average selling price (ASP)
of a product. Products in the decline stage tend to have lower ASPs, while exclusive or luxury
products may actually increase in price over time to reflect their scarcity and branding.

Finally, the passage introduces the concept of a "closed-loop manufacturing cycle" as an

alternative to the traditional linear PLC. This circular model focuses on reusing, recycling,
and remanufacturing products to minimize waste and develop more sustainable practices.

Closed-Loop Product Life Cycle: The first image illustrates a closed-loop product life cycle,
which is a more sustainable alternative to the traditional linear product life cycle.

The traditional product life cycle has four main stages:

1. Introduction - When a new product is first brought to market

2. Growth - As the product gains popularity and sales increase
 3. Maturity - When the product is widely available and competition is high
4. Decline - When the product loses market share or becomes obsolete

However, the closed-loop cycle shown in this image represents a more circular approach.
Instead of products going directly from decline to waste, the closed-loop model takes
obsolete or used products back into the cycle to be reused as raw materials.

This closed-loop system has several benefits:

• It's better for the environment by reducing waste

• It doesn't affect the product's performance or price
• It results in fewer carbon emissions during manufacturing
• As the programs scale, they become more cost-effective and efficient

The example given is Dell's take-back program, where they recycle old computers into new
ones, rather than simply discarding the outdated machines. This circular approach helps
conserve resources and minimize environmental impact.

Commodities: The second image provides an overview of commodities and their role in
investment portfolios.

Commodities are basic goods used in commerce that are interchangeable with other goods of
the same type. Traditional examples include grains, gold, beef, oil, and natural gas.

For investors, commodities can be an important way to diversify their portfolios beyond just
traditional securities like stocks. This is because commodity prices tend to move in
opposition to stocks, so they can provide a hedge against market volatility.

The image notes that commodities were historically limited to professional traders, but today
there are more options for individual investors to participate in commodity markets, such as
futures contracts, options, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Some key points about commodities:

• They are typically sorted into four broad categories: metal, energy, livestock/meat,
and agricultural
• Investing in commodities can diversify beyond traditional securities
• Commodities are considered risky investments because their prices are impacted by
unpredictable factors like weather, epidemics, and disasters
• There are various ways for investors to gain exposure to commodities beyond just
directly owning the physical goods