Engineering: The nature of problems
Discover the nature of engineering problems and the innovative solutions they create. Learn problem-solving techniques and technical terms in this free course.
Engineering is about extending the horizons of society by solving technical problems, ranging from the meeting of basic human needs for food and shelter to the generation of wealth by trade. In this free course, Engineering: The nature of problems, we learn that engineers see the problems more as challenges and opportunities than as difficulties. What they appear to be doing is solving problems, but in fact they are busy creating solutions, an altogether more imaginative activity.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
View solutions as belonging to particular categories, broadly classified as: innovation by context
Innovation by practice
Routine
See how external factors affect engineering projects, and appreciate the range of engineering involved in meeting the basic needs of our society
Recognise and apply a range of problem-solving techniques from each stage of the engineering design cycle, to include the following: physical modelling
Mathematical modelling
Iteration
Use of reference data
Refining an engineering specification
Identify when models are likely to be useful and when they are no longer valid
Recognise and distinguish between the following technical terms: differential equation
Simultaneous equation
Boundary condition
Constraint
Finite element analysis (FEA)
Mathematical model
Physical model
Prototype
Demonstrator
Anthropometric
Ergonomic
Product specification
Functional specification.