Engineering and Technological Progress

We live in the epoch when science becomes direct productive force of society. The second half of the 20^th century began an entirely new era – the era of the scientific and technological revolution. It is due to complex mechanization and automation.

Mechanical engineering is called a key industry due to its importance to all sectors of the national economy including mechanization, automation, chemical engineering, etc. Engineering is a complex consisting of inter-linked industries.

Machine-tool manufacture is the material and technical base of engineering. Mechanical engineering is rapidly changing. Instrument-making plays an increasingly important part. This branch of engineering produces automation equipment, quality control devices, computers, etc.

The development of automation is closely linked with progress in instrument-making and the output of up-to-date measuring and control instruments and devices.

In the conditions of the scientific and technological progress the significance of engineers is increasing. Our country has taken on a course toward the market economy. Engineers have an important part to play in intensifying the national economy. In their work engineers are guided by the latest achievements in science and technology. Engineering means physical implementation of the design process into machines, devices or systems. Only a well-trained engineer can cope with his tasks. In his practical work an engineer is faced with problems of choosing suitable engineering materials for constructing different devices or machine parts. A modern engineer must have good knowledge of physics and mathematics, chemistry, computers, systems engineering computer-aided design, management science, etc.

Engineers are trained at different technical higher schools and at some departments of the universities. In spite of the fact that there are no single and absolutely identical curricula, the sets of subjects for training technical students have very much in common. Future engineers are trained in fundamental sciences and special subjects. Apart from the teaching fundamentals, the students are offered a wide programme of humanities. A great attention at technical departments is paid to such subjects as history, philosophy, economics, management, sociology, ecology and foreign language as well as to the development of the scientific world outlook of the future engineers. The engineer is considered to be the main motive power of the technological progress.

3. Find the answers to the questions:

1. What is engineering?

2. What is the role of an engineer in the technological progress?

3. What should an engineer know to cope with his tasks?

4. Where are engineers trained?

5. What subjects and sciences are technical students trained in?

6. What must an engineer know to be a good specialist and harmoniously developed individual?

7. Is an engineer the main motive power in the technological progress?

4. Complete the sentences:

1. Engineers are trained at…

2. Only … can cope with his task.

3. Engineering means physical implementation…