The Handy Engineering Answer Book

This latest “Handy Answer Book,” authored by Nicole P. Pitterson (engineering, Virginia Tech), Debra-Ann C. Butler (psychology, Northern Comm. Coll.), and Smith and Aishwary Pawar (both, industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, Univ. of Michigan–Dearborn), provides essential facts about engineering in a convenient question-and-answer format. This work aims to help people from non-engineering backgrounds understand the profession, but those with engineering backgrounds may benefit as well. The guide contains approximately 1,000 questions from numerous aspects of engineering organized into 12 chapters. Chapter one introduces readers to the field of engineering, including design basics, design process, famous engineers, and a historical timeline. The next 10 chapters (two through 11) present the various disciplines in the field—electrical, mechanical, industrial, civil, and aerospace engineering. The final chapter provides engineering pathways for readers that wish to learn more. It contains information on how to prepare for a college degree in engineering, instructions for community college students who wish to get started in the field, and suggestions for high school students on which courses to take prior to college. This guide concludes with an appendix on engineering programs and organizations, and a list of suggestions for further reading.