Engineering as a Vocation
and Baylor’s Engineering Program
ENGR 1310
Introduction to Engineering
What is the Difference Between
“Job/Work” and “Vocation”?
Job
American Heritage Dictionary
“A regular activity performed in exchange for payment; especially a trade, occupation, or profession.”
“A position in which one is employed.”
Work
American Heritage Dictionary
“Physical or mental effort or activity directed toward
the production or accomplishment of something.”
“Employment; Job.”
What is the Difference Between
“Job/Work” and “Vocation”?
Vocation
Originally, a Christian concept.
A calling to undertake a certain kind of work as a
service to God and mankind.
Selected based on how I can best serve rather than
strictly on pay or personal enjoyment.
Assumes greatest satisfaction and fulfillment in one’s
work comes from being exactly where God wants
you to be.
Why does it matter?
“I tell people all the time that money is ultimately
not enough compensation for investing your time
and energy: there has to be a sense of purpose,
meaning, and fulfillment.”
Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
Why does it matter?
“Your top priority should be to learn your
strengths and weaknesses. Remember,
people who only work for money are miserable,
because there is no fulfillment or meaning in
their career. You must find something that
blends your: skills, abilities, personality traits,
values, dreams, and passions.”
Dave Ramsey, financial coach
Why Study Engineering?
To become
Professional engineer
Business consultant for a prestigious consulting firm
Lawyer
Physician / Dentist
To use my God-given gifts and talents to serve
others in the best possible way
What is Engineering?
What is Engineering?
“The application of scientific and mathematical
principles to practical ends such as the design,
construction, and operation of efficient and
economical structures, equipment, and systems.”
American Heritage Dictionary
What is Engineering?
“The profession in which knowledge of the
mathematical and natural sciences, gained by
study, experience, and practice, is applied with
judgment to develop ways to use, economically,
the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of
mankind.”
Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
What is Engineering?
What is the difference between a mechanical
engineer and a mechanic?
How does engineering technology differ from
engineering?
Is an electrician who repairs the air conditioner in
your home the same as an electrical engineer?
How Does Engineering Differ from
Math and Science?
Scientist seek scientific truth or knowledge
(about how the universe works).
Engineers apply scientific truth or knowledge in
order to serve humanity.
Take time and consider why you would like to be
an engineering major rather than a physics,
math or biology, or chemistry major…
Break into groups of 2 or 3 to discuss this
Will ask several of you to share your conclusions
The Origins of Engineering
Latin in generare
Engine
Ingenious
200 AD
Roman attack on Carthaginians
using an ingenious invention
(ingenium)
1200s  the ingeniator
Battering rams, assault towers,
etc.
The Engineering Disciplines
The big three disciplines (a large majority of all
engineers are one of these three)
Civil Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Additional disciplines
Chemical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
Civil Engineering
Oldest engineering discipline
Civil Engineering
Oldest engineering discipline
Mechanical Engineering
Developed after civil engineering
Concerned with the design of mechanical and
thermal systems
Many final products, such as cars & airplanes
Most equipment that makes other products
Heating and air conditioning systems
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Alumna Profile
Karen Davis, BSME, 2009
 Propulsion test engineer and test
conductor
SpaceX, McGregor, Texas
Karen in Rwanda with Engineers with a Mission
 “I work on the in-space team, so I work with second
stage engines and Draco thrusters for the cargo
carrying capsule (the Dragon). As a TE/TC, I am
responsible for controlling the many different systems
on our test stand that make testing the Draco
possible. I will also be doing some design work to
expand the test stand for a module of Draco's (five
thrusters in flight configuration) and helping to develop a
test plan for that series of testing.”
Space X Falcon 9 Engines
Alumni Profile
 Jonathan Crabtree, BSME 2009
 Level 1 Mechanical Engineer
 Black and Veatch, Kansas City, KA
 “I work in the energy division and retrofit projects
for older power plants (coal, gas, and combined
cycle). Retrofits include emission control
equipment (scrubbers for SO2 reduction, SCR for
NOx reduction, etc.) and fuel conversion projects.
I work on detailed designs, studies, proposals,
and also the cost estimate for a new solar
thermal power plant that will be the biggest of its
kind. I feels that my Baylor education trained me
well. Besides starting work, I am getting married
in October. Woowho!!”
Jonathan and Katie on the Waco Suspension Bridge
A Solar Thermal Power Plant
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Design of electrical systems
Very large engineering discipline as all industries
will need some electrical engineers
Computer portion of this discipline is much
newer, having developed since the 1960’s
Most work has to do with information, or power,
or both
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Alumna Profile
Amy Bowen, BSECE, 2006
 Engineer, National Wind Technology
Center
NREL, Boulder, CO
Amy visiting wind farm
 “I have been a field test engineer for small turbine
independent testing at the National Wind Technology
Center since September 2007. I am involved in
duration, power performance, and safety and function
testing for small wind turbines. I am also currently
involved in software development for small turbine
testing, blade testing, LabVIEW programming, data
acquisition, and data analysis.”
Large and Small Wind Turbines
Alumni Profile
Chris Matcek, BSECE
2006, ME/MBA 2008
 Engineering Management Trainee
Raytheon, San Diego, CA
Chris with MBA students in Washington DC
 “I am member of the Rotational Engineering Leadership
Development Program (RELDP). I rotate between
three assignments around the USA for 2 years,
experiencing different areas of the company. Then I
move into management upon graduation. I am currently
working on organizational strategy and business
continuity for the company.”
Raytheon’s KillerBee UAV
The Baylor Engineering
Program and You
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Departments of Mechanical
Engineering and Electrical and Computer
Engineering is to educate students, within a
caring Christian environment, in the discipline of
engineering, by combining a strong technical
foundation with an emphasis on professional,
moral, ethical and leadership development.
Accreditation
ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology)
Programs are accredited, not schools
All three undergraduate engineering programs at
Baylor are accredited
Curriculum Summary
Humanities & Social Sciences
Math & Science
Engineering
Other
Min Required Total
18-23 Sem Hrs
32 Sem Hrs
64 Sem Hrs
15 Sem Hrs
129 Sem Hrs
Engineering Majors
BSECE Electrical and Computer Engineering
BSME Mechanical Engineering
BSE Engineering
Biomedical Option (common with pre-med)
Flexible Option
 Business, Law, Language, Environmental Studies, etc.
For the first two years, all three curricula are
common with the exception of 2 courses
Homework Assignment 1
Read Discussion of The Method (Ch1)
By Billy Von Koen
Visit computer lab and log onto ECS network
View Snapshots of Engineers videos
Answer questions
Submit to Blackboard by Friday Aug. 27 at 5:00
PM