Engineering
By Anne Marie Sefakor Allison
Who is an engineer?
An engineer is someone who applies knowledge from science, mathematics, and economics to solve technical challenges in society. Engineers are problem solvers who gather the necessary resources to achieve specific goals. Engineering involves the application of scientific, mathematical, and economic principles to design and construct solutions. Simply put, it is the use of knowledge and skills to address and resolve problems.
For example, when I enter an auditorium or an exam hall and notice people writing on their laps while seated in chairs, I see this as a problem. As an engineer, it becomes my responsibility to design and create something that makes this process easier and more comfortable for those writing in the auditorium.
What has economics to do with engineering?
Economics plays a vital role in engineering. Whatever you design requires materials and construction, both of which cost money. Therefore, it’s important to select durable yet affordable materials, which underscores the significance of economics in the engineering process.
What are the various engineering programs offered at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)?
First, we have aerospace engineering, which focuses on the development of aircraft and spacecraft. Then there is agricultural engineering, which involves the design and fabrication of machinery for agricultural purposes.
Automobile engineering deals with the manufacturing, design, and operation of mechanical machinery and automobiles.
Biomedical engineering applies technology and medical advancements to create new devices and equipment that improve human health.
Chemical engineering centers on the development and design of chemical manufacturing processes.
Civil engineering revolves around the construction of buildings, roads, and infrastructure.
Computer engineering involves the design and creation of computer hardware and software.
Electrical and electronic engineering focuses on the study, design, and application of systems and equipment that utilize electricity, electronics, and electromagnetic circuits.
Geological engineering promotes the sustainable development and preservation of natural resources, enhancing quality of life and simplifying daily tasks.
Geomatic engineering focuses on surveying the Earth using various techniques.
Industrial engineering seeks to optimize processes or designs to improve efficiency and minimize the waste of both money and resources.
Marine engineering covers the design, construction, and maintenance of vehicles and structures used on or around water.
Materials engineering involves the study of various materials, including metals, plastics, Styrofoam, and more. It encompasses understanding how different materials and chemicals are combined for manufacturing. Engineers analyze properties such as durability, strength, and other factors to create specific materials for intended products. This includes evaluating tensile strength, texture, and suitability for particular applications.
Mechanical engineering focuses on the design, production, and operation of various machines—essentially, all machines fall under the scope of mechanical engineering. Metallurgical engineering involves the study of metals and their safe transformation into products. This includes alloying, which is the process of combining different types of metals to create durable and functional materials for specific applications.
What’s the takeaway?
Now you can see that all of these engineering programs revolve around design and fabrication, which is what makes engineering so fascinating. Regarding job prospects in Ghana, it’s important to recognize the shared principles across these fields. For example, the principles of chemical engineering form the foundation of petrochemical engineering, and the design and manufacturing processes often overlap. Those with a background in fields like petroleum and chemical engineering can explore opportunities across various sectors, including the petroleum industry.
Could you please give an example?
For instance, in petrochemical engineering, a branch of chemical engineering, professionals can work in a wide range of chemical industries, including pharmaceuticals, paper and pulp, water treatment, beverages, and more. I work in the pharmaceutical industry, and I can attest to the similarities in principles across these sectors. At the College of Engineering at KNUST, we often have joint classes with other programs, combining courses to provide a well-rounded education that spans multiple engineering disciplines.
What requirements must be met to read an engineering program?
The requirements for enrolling in any engineering program include core subjects such as English, core mathematics, and integrated science, along with physics, chemistry, and elective mathematics. However, for biomedical engineering, biology can substitute for chemistry. Beyond these academic prerequisites, essential qualities include creativity in problem-solving and innovative thinking. Being a critical thinker is crucial, as engineering often involves tackling complex mathematical problems. It’s important to take elective mathematics seriously and apply it to real-world problems, translating them into mathematical formulas to design effective solutions. Finally, the ability to analyze and solve problems efficiently is a key skill for success in engineering.
About the program cut-off points
When it comes to cut-off points, I advise individuals not to focus solely on them. The goal should be to achieve the best grades possible and strive for excellence. Aim to stand out so you can have a strong chance of being selected for your desired program. For instance, if the cut-off for chemical engineering is 10, they will prioritize candidates who performed better than a score of 10. Suppose you scored 10, and there are nine slots available. If seven other candidates who selected chemical engineering scored 07, one scored 08, and another scored 09, they will all be chosen before those who scored the cut-off of 10. So, aiming just for the cut-off can be a mistake.
Are there employment opportunities for engineers in Ghana?
Some engineering programs offer job opportunities within Ghana, while for others, you might need to seek employment outside the country.
Why should I do engineering?
The value of engineering lies in its intellectual stimulation, as it exercises your brain, enhances logical thinking, and develops problem-solving abilities, especially in mathematics. Engineering also offers the opportunity to contribute to society and make a positive impact on the world, providing a sense of fulfillment.
For example, imagine you're working with a company that specializes in bridge design and construction, and you're faced with the challenge of connecting two towns separated by a river. Your supervisor or a senior engineer will gather all the engineers to collaborate on designing the bridge. You won’t just create the design—you’ll also select durable and cost-effective materials. If you demonstrate creativity and economic efficiency in your design, your supervisor is likely to choose your plan. In the end, you've successfully solved a societal issue by enabling seamless movement between the towns. This exemplifies how engineering allows you to make a positive impact on society and the world. Thank you for your time and attention.
How much are engineers paid?
While many pursue engineering to earn a living, I can't provide an exact salary figure for engineers because it varies widely. When you become an engineer, it's important to seek opportunities within your specific field. For instance, if you studied petroleum engineering, working in the petroleum or oil and gas industry will likely offer higher compensation compared to working in a different sector, even if the concepts and skills are similar. Let me illustrate with my own experience—I work in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmacy students at my workplace often possess more specialized knowledge, but engineers are still necessary, and there is a dedicated engineering department. However, the compensation might not match what you would earn in your specialized field. In summary, while I can't provide precise salary figures, I strongly recommend researching and aligning your engineering specialization with the relevant industries in Ghana to maximize your earning potential.