A Brief History
Mechanical engineering has been applied since the early ancient and medieval times throughout the world. Greek architecture was influenced by the mechanics of the Western countries. Chinese engineers incorporated mechanics long before their European counterparts. Between the 7th and 15th centuries, the Islamic people saw many applications of mechanical technology in their architecture, as well as the invention of mechanical devices such as cam shafts and the crank.
In the early 19th century there were many developments in mechanical devices in England and Scotland which led to the improvement of mechanical tools and the development of mechanical engineering as a separate branch of engineering. The first society of professional mechanical engineers was formed in England in the year 1847; after thirty years, the civil engineering society was formed. The Americans developed the society of mechanical engineers in the year 1880. The first American school of mechanical engineering was formed in the year 1917, named the U.S. Military Academy
Mechanical engineering degrees are offered at universities throughout the world. In North America, China, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, mechanical engineering courses take four-to-five years to complete. The courses are designed to provide degrees in Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Technology, Bachelor of Applied Science, and Bachelor of Engineering with an emphasis in Mechanical Engineering.
In the U.S., mechanical engineering courses ensure similar course standards and requirements among universities. Canada and most other countries offer similar engineering degrees. Some of the mechanical engineering colleges offer postgraduate degrees such as Masters of Science, Masters of Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, or Engineers Degree.
The standards set by the different accreditation societies of the world are provided to ensure uniformity in the subject material, competence of engineers, and to build confidence in engineering as an industry. The different courses have multiple subjects, depending on the faculties available and the areas of research in the universities.
Mechanical engineers should have fair knowledge of and be able to relate to concepts from chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, physics, and chemistry. Most mechanical engineering courses include many sessions of calculus, mathematical concepts, linear algebra, and geometry.
Mechanical engineering deals with concepts like mechanics, energy, kinematics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. Mechanical engineers utilize their skills and knowledge to design various mechanical parts in vehicles, manufacturing plants, household appliances, aircrafts, industrial machinery, robotic machinery, medical instruments, and other various mechanical devices.
Those who aspire to become a mechanical engineer can use the above mentioned information to choose their path and move ahead for a great future.