Main branches of engineering

Engineering is a broad discipline which is often broken down into several sub-disciplines. These disciplines concern themselves with differing areas of engineering work. Although initially an engineer will usually be trained in a specific discipline, throughout an engineer's career the engineer may become multi-disciplined, having worked in several of the outlined areas. Engineering is often characterized as having four main branches

• Chemical engineering – The application of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering principles in order to carry out chemical processes on a commercial scale, such aspetroleum refining, microfabrication, fermentation, and biomolecule production.
• Civil engineering – The design and construction of public and private works, such asinfrastructure (airports, roads, railways, water supply and treatment etc.), bridges, dams, and buildings.
• Electrical engineering – The design, study and manufacture of various electrical and electronic systems, such as electrical circuits, generators, motors,electromagnetic/electromechanical devices, electronic devices, electronic circuits, optical fibers, optoelectronic devices, computer systems, telecommunications, instrumentation, controls, and electronics.
• Mechanical engineering – The design and manufacture of physical or mechanical systems, such as power and energy systems, aerospace/aircraft products, weapon systems, transportation products, engines, compressors, powertrains, kinematic chains, vacuum technology, and vibration isolation equipment.

Beyond these four, a number of other branches are recognized. Historically, naval engineering and mining engineering were major branches. Modern fields sometimes included as major branches are manufacturing engineering, acoustical engineering, corrosion engineering, Instrumentation and control, aerospace, automotive,computer, electronic, petroleum, systems, audio, software, architectural, agricultural, biosystems, biomedical, geological, textile,industrial, materials, and nuclear engineering. These and other branches of engineering are represented in the 36 institutions forming the membership of the UK Engineering Council.