What is the Main Focus of Petroleum Engineering?

Petroleum engineering deals with the production of hydrocarbons—the products of crude oil and natural gas. This above-ground field focuses on recovering fossil fuels from below ground in the most economical and environmentally friendly ways.

Trained to understand the physical behavior of oil, water, and gas deep in porous rock and under high pressure, these skilled engineers make reliable estimations of the volume of a resource's reservoir.

They form teams with geologists to determine the best methods for depleting reservoirs. Related disciplines include drilling, reservoir simulation, well engineering, petroleum geology, and geophysics.

Since the beginning of petroleum engineering, in the early 20th century, many easily accessed deposits have been depleted. Fuel harvesting has become more dependent on fresh technologies incorporating horizontal drilling and computer modeling.

Drilling in deserts and in deep waters requires today's engineers to have expertise in intelligent systems, geomechanics, and hydraulics, naming only a few things on their growing list of knowledge bases.

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Jobs that Nuclear Engineers Perform

Because nuclear science and engineering has such a broad range, graduates can be prepared for a wide variety of careers. Today's graduates enjoy research and teaching jobs at universities; they work at power plants and in government and industrial laboratories. They have launched LED lighting companies. They manage hedge funds, create interactive science and art displays, design new reactors, improve aircraft components, attend medical school, and design domestic energy policies.

Bureau of Labor statistics for 2011 show nuclear engineers earning a mean annual wage of $105,160, a bottom average wage of $67,100, and a top wage of $147,670. Rise in employment was estimated at 9.4 percent.

Some professional organizations for nuclear engineers are the American Nuclear Society, the American Physical Society, the Health Physics Society, the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management, and the International Radiation Physics Society. Membership offers opportunities to stay abreast in the field, to engage with other nuclear engineers, and to share experiences through conferences and publications.

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Discover the World of Nanoengineering

Nanoengineering encompasses the practice of the profession on a nanoscale, which stems from the nanometer unit of measure, equivalent to one billionth of a meter. Within the industry, nanoengineering is synonymous with practices of nanotechnology, whereby it focuses on the engineering component of a given technology rather than the scientific side. Nanotechnology professionals have become prized professionals in the current marketplace for their skills and training dealing with microscopic applications.

From the automobile and energy industry to healthcare and technology firms, companies around the world eagerly seek to attract and develop these professionals. Within these realms, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are the dominant techniques of the field used to solve problems and originate new technologies. Both techniques pivot on generating microscopic probes to manipulate and track the movement of atoms with the idea of capturing something significant to translate into real world applications such as revolutionary manufacturing materials or new pharmaceutical products.

Professionals in this field often perform a medley of duties depending on the industry they work in and/or their educational backgrounds. In biosciences, nanoengineers dedicate their time to developing new medical device products and ways to enhance existing ones. From a construction viewpoint, these experts investigate and evaluate the development of new materials to develop more sustainable and durable building products and materials. Automotive companies employ these engineers to develop more efficient processes within an engine system and materials to build and pad vehicle systems and interiors. Regardless of the field, these engineers choose to employ their skills and talents, the field requires immense patience and attention to detail. Refining the effective use of STMs and AFMs, critical to the development of new technologies and breakthroughs, often proves to be challenging for most practitioners in the field. Powerful microscopes with exceptionally fine silicon tips are employed to monitor the nano activity harnessed to develop new applications. Establishing a suitable tip, though, can sometimes take seven days alone. Nevertheless, global firms like Abbott Laboratories, Tesla, Exxon-Mobil, and Sony are a few of the global firms capitalizing on the potential of nanotechnology.

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Real Example of Molecular Engineering in Action

As it is an emerging field with seemingly unlimited potential, the field of molecular engineering has stirred some controversy regarding its implications ethically, environmentally and socially. At the same time, the science promises to exert its influence in all spheres of human life around the world. In the medical devices industry, a recent case study of Ortho Molecular illuminated the powerful potential of this form of engineering. The firm employs a ProScan metal detection system, rooted in molecular engineering, which was developed by Advanced Detection Systems (ADS). This ensures the quality of all of the products in its manufacturing system. The device memorizes the product sensory impulse, and then recalls it as it travels through the scanner, thereby ensuring the finished product meets all Food and Drug Administration health and safety codes. The ProScan application evaluates the entire device to identify the presence of any metal. If it is detected, a signal occurs compelling a check of the entire batch of deliverables. The system enables quality control staff to quickly identify integrity breaches and remedy them seamlessly. Molecular engineering was critical in developing this acute detection system application. Ortho Molecular purchased several of the ADS systems for its medical device product manufacturing processes because of its sensitivity and efficiency.

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Geological Engineering Education Requirements

 

Education Requirements

Requiring a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, the licensing requirements for geological and mining engineering vary by state. Specific degree programs for aspiring geological and mine engineers include Geology, Geophysics, Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Mineral Preparation Engineering and Social Geology, among many others, and range from undergraduate Bachelors programs to advanced graduate and post-graduate programs. In addition to materials mining and extraction, additional studies and industry focuses include ecological impact research, which measures broader environmental and ecological effects of mining operations, social geological impact research which focuses on both the sociological hazards and benefits to geological or mining efforts and discovery-oriented exploration, studying geological formations below the Earth’s surface so as to refine the broader understanding of the planet’s composition. Regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration the field of geological and mine engineering is one with an intense focus on hazard awareness and occupational safety.

As with any dynamic and engaging field of study, the geological, mineral and mining industries and sciences, the training and education continue well after one has earned their degree. With numerous trade associations, professional networks and academic research societies, such as the American Institute of Professional Geology  American Rock Mechanics Association  and Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists the field of geological and mine engineering is one of a continually evolving nature, with regular conferences and training programs designed to keep geological professionals on the cutting edge of their chosen pursuits. Combining age old techniques in respect to surveying, exploration and extraction, new technologies continue to emerge in the field, bringing new and exciting methods of research and exploratory prospecting into the hands of professionals and students every year. And as these new technologies and discoveries continue to change the professional landscape for those entering the engineering fields of geology or mining, the increasing demands for raw and precious materials by industry and the public at large have led to an increased demand for well educated, qualified professionals to enter the fields.

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Earning Your Mechatronics Engineering Degree

Mechatronic engineers require at least a Bachelor’s degree, whereby most of these professionals have completed undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering. The field, though, transcends this traditional discipline into a variety of fields of study such as electronics, decision-making theories, and information technology, among others. With a Master’s degree in mechatronic engineering, an individual has the credentials to assume management and more advanced research posts. Graduate programs often feature traditional classroom instruction with practical industry experience. Coursework traditionally explores practices in automation theory, methodology, and analysis. An example mechatronic engineering class at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), for example, instructs the design of mechatronic systems which integrate mechanical, electrical, and control systems engineering. For those seeking a less rigorous option of entering the field, an associate's degree in mechatronics can be attained at a community college or technical institution. These 2-year degree programs equip candidates with the skills to assume entry-level positions, whereby they troubleshoot maintenance processes. Classroom instruction typically entails coursework in robotic design as well as training in engineering drawing.

Students of mechatronics have gone on to develop many of the “smart” devices that have transformed a medley of industries around the world. From robots and anti-lock brakes to photocopiers and computer drives, mechatronics professionals are changing the way people work and live, according to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The technology is also found in humidity-sensitive clothes dryers and windshield wipers as well as in healthcare, agriculture, construction, entertainment, automobiles, and tools for the disabled and elderly communities. These technological innovations reflect the dedication these professionals have to become life-long learners. With a bevy of associations, professional organizations, societies, and resources like the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), the Technology Student Association (TSA), and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), among others, students and seasoned professionals have seamless access to the knowledge and resources necessary to bolster their education and skills as the industry evolves over time. Organizations such as these also provide mentoring and networking opportunities that have the potential to enhance the prowess of an individual seeking transformative career opportunities and guidance as well as for institutions seeking to attract and nurture talent to their efforts. In addition, esteemed institutions such as MIT offer free online course programs for students and professionals through its Open Course Ware initiative.

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Mechanical Engineering Types of Degrees

 

It usually takes four to five years to obtain a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. Students should seriously think about co-operative education where they take one semester or quarter of university courses and work in an industry-related environment the next semester or quarter.

Co-oping is a paid internship, and oftentimes the job experience can lead to employment at graduation. The ambitious student can take another two years of coursework to obtain a Master's Degree in mechanical engineering. The student who desires to go into research and/or teach engineering can spend another year or two obtaining a PhD.

There are some universities that offer online mechanical engineering study programs. However, mechanical engineering is not well suited to online study because this discipline requires hands-on experience with moving parts and instruments.

Additionally, all accredited engineering schools require the design, construction and presentation of a senior design project that is supervised by an engineering professor. This is an educational benefit that an online study program cannot truly offer.

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