5.1 About Connecting Science and Mathematics to Engineering

Engineering is the application of the principles of mathematics and science to the creation or modification of components, systems, and processes (which are often referred to as a product or an artifact) for the benefit of society. Engineers use a series of logical steps (the engineering design process) to create such artifacts which represent a balance between quality, performance, and cost. This chapter explores and examines the role and connections of math and science to engineering and the need to succeed in the study of those subjects for a professional career in engineering.

Chapter Learning Objectives

After working through this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

• Explain the goals and the nature of the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering and the differences between them.
• Explain generally how the fields of math and science and engineering benefit from one another as well as need one another.
• Explain what engineers in different disciplines do and the math and science they use.
• Explain the role of science and math in each step of the engineering design process.
• Describe the types of science and math that might be used by engineers in the different engineering disciplines along with an example for the design of a product or a process.