ENG 190 - Professional Engineer Exam Questions And
Correct Answers
Professional Development - Answer Accreditation of engineering programs, regulations
and licensing of engineers, the process of registration
Characteristics of a Profession - Answer There is no universally accepted account of a
"Professional Engineer", but rather a set of characteristics that hold true of a profession
1) Entrance into a profession requires an extensive period of training (of an intellectual
character/content - distinctive from practical skills)
2) Any scientific and technological advanced society is particularly dependent upon its
professionals.
3) Professionals have monopoly or quasi-monopoly in the supply of professional
services.
4) Control is effected by insisting that only those who have graduated from a
professional school are allowed to bear the professional title. The professions ensure
standards in professional schools through the establishment of accreditation standards
which regulate the quality of curriculum content.
5) Professionals possess a great deal of autonomy when working within an organization.
Even if they are employed in large organizations, there is considerable latitude given the
professionals in private practice, as possession of specialized knowledge allows for
professional autonomy.
6) Professionals are guided by ethical standards that are usually embedded in a code of
ethics; this is promulgated by professional societies
Tasks of Scientists - Answer Basic task is to carry out research; a scientist may mainly
specialize in formulating new theoretical explanations for either unexplained or newly
discovered phenomena; a scientist may propose the need to alter existing theories, or
even propose the existence of new phenomena or events
A scientist can be more oriented toward experimental work, designing the experiments
, and the necessary diagnostics in order to prove the theoretical speculations
A theoretical scientist may want to go beyond an analytic formulation, work that can be
done by computer codes, numerical techniques.
Lawrence's Cyclotron - Answer A good example of creativity where a scientist, E.O.
Lawrence (physicist), did engineering, i.e., invented the cyclotron, in order to continue
with his scientific research of High-Energy Physics
Engineer's Tasks - Solution An engineer may be interested in the design of devices,
systems, processes, structures, new materials, etc. Depending on different stages of
the project, approaches can be analytical, experimental, or computational.
R&D, design (internal and external), develop prototype, manufacturing plan, mass
production, packaging, etc. -- all involve a high level of management at each state.
From Concepts to Production - Solution Creativity generates ideas, ideas are developed
into designs, designs evolve into prototypes and prototypes to production
ABET's Definition of Engineering - Solution Engineering is the profession in which a
knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and
practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials
and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.
ABET-The Accreditatio n Board for Engineering and Technology An independent,
nonprofit, non-governmental organization that accredits post-secondary education
programs in applied science, engineering, and engineering technology.
Specifies minimum curricula for different engineering programs; requires that all
engineering graduates of a bachelor's degree program receive at least one year of
study in the natural or physical sciences and mathematics, and requires some study
within general education; also requires that each student complete a "capstone" project
or design class in their educaiton
Correct Answers
Professional Development - Answer Accreditation of engineering programs, regulations
and licensing of engineers, the process of registration
Characteristics of a Profession - Answer There is no universally accepted account of a
"Professional Engineer", but rather a set of characteristics that hold true of a profession
1) Entrance into a profession requires an extensive period of training (of an intellectual
character/content - distinctive from practical skills)
2) Any scientific and technological advanced society is particularly dependent upon its
professionals.
3) Professionals have monopoly or quasi-monopoly in the supply of professional
services.
4) Control is effected by insisting that only those who have graduated from a
professional school are allowed to bear the professional title. The professions ensure
standards in professional schools through the establishment of accreditation standards
which regulate the quality of curriculum content.
5) Professionals possess a great deal of autonomy when working within an organization.
Even if they are employed in large organizations, there is considerable latitude given the
professionals in private practice, as possession of specialized knowledge allows for
professional autonomy.
6) Professionals are guided by ethical standards that are usually embedded in a code of
ethics; this is promulgated by professional societies
Tasks of Scientists - Answer Basic task is to carry out research; a scientist may mainly
specialize in formulating new theoretical explanations for either unexplained or newly
discovered phenomena; a scientist may propose the need to alter existing theories, or
even propose the existence of new phenomena or events
A scientist can be more oriented toward experimental work, designing the experiments
, and the necessary diagnostics in order to prove the theoretical speculations
A theoretical scientist may want to go beyond an analytic formulation, work that can be
done by computer codes, numerical techniques.
Lawrence's Cyclotron - Answer A good example of creativity where a scientist, E.O.
Lawrence (physicist), did engineering, i.e., invented the cyclotron, in order to continue
with his scientific research of High-Energy Physics
Engineer's Tasks - Solution An engineer may be interested in the design of devices,
systems, processes, structures, new materials, etc. Depending on different stages of
the project, approaches can be analytical, experimental, or computational.
R&D, design (internal and external), develop prototype, manufacturing plan, mass
production, packaging, etc. -- all involve a high level of management at each state.
From Concepts to Production - Solution Creativity generates ideas, ideas are developed
into designs, designs evolve into prototypes and prototypes to production
ABET's Definition of Engineering - Solution Engineering is the profession in which a
knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and
practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials
and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.
ABET-The Accreditatio n Board for Engineering and Technology An independent,
nonprofit, non-governmental organization that accredits post-secondary education
programs in applied science, engineering, and engineering technology.
Specifies minimum curricula for different engineering programs; requires that all
engineering graduates of a bachelor's degree program receive at least one year of
study in the natural or physical sciences and mathematics, and requires some study
within general education; also requires that each student complete a "capstone" project
or design class in their educaiton
