Which engineering course is best for the future
8 August 2022
Engineering fields with a bright future
With the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) in full swing, there is an urgent need for engineers who are able to create, implement and maintain the latest technologies and systems.
However, before addressing the question of the best future-focused engineering course to pursue, it is important to look at the emerging fields of engineering.
- Software Engineering
The rising prevalence of the Internet of Things, which includes online games and shopping, movies and brand pages, leads to the need for proficient software engineers who can build and maintain easy-to-use apps and browser functions. E-commerce websites such as Shopee and Lazada for example need such experts working on the back-end to ensure the sites run smoothly.
- Chemical engineering
The world relies on the research and development by chemical engineers in the areas of food, water, drugs, and more. Technological advancements have enabled today’s chemical engineers to build on existing knowledge to further develop benign chemical processes and products and use less hazardous materials while harnessing alternative energy and choosing methods that minimise pollution. The goals of sustainable technology, water management and energy efficiency will always be relevant for chemical engineers.
- Civil engineering
The effects of global warming and the need for environmentally-friendly buildings call for civil engineers to constantly test and come up with new construction materials and techniques such as cement substitutes, prefabrication, offsite and modular building to help increase efficiency and performance while decreasing costs, waste and carbon emissions during construction.
- Mechanical engineering
The knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer are important in the production of renewable energy. Mechanical engineers are in demand to help design hydropower infrastructure, optimise cooling systems and develop new energy storage technology such as thermochemical batteries that are included in the creation of gas turbines, elevators and more.
- Electrical and computer systems engineering
Electrical and computer systems engineering is a vast field that includes computer systems, electronics, robotics, and more. Engineers who work in electrical and computer systems research, plan, design, and maintain a wide range of products and systems. The world is looking at electrical and computer systems engineers for greener daily solutions, from hybrid electric vehicles to solar, wind and other non-polluting sources.
- Robotics and mechatronics engineering
Engineers in robotics and mechatronics use computer control systems to make devices smarter and more efficient. With wide-ranging applications, more industries are moving away from fossil-fuelled machinery to robotic machinery, thus reducing carbon emissions and enabling mechatronic software integration.
In the areas of agriculture, for example, robotics and mechatronics allow farmers to move from fossil-fuelled machinery to robotic machinery. This reduces carbon emissions and enables mechatronic software integration.
The future of engineering
Monash Malaysia offers some of the best and highly ranked engineering courses in the country. QS World University by Subject Ranking 2022 ranks Monash 34th in the world for chemical engineering, 27th for civil and structural engineering and 39th for electrical and electronics engineering.
- Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) helps you acquire high-level programming expertise. Studying subjects such as algorithms and data structures, as well as computer science for engineers, you will learn to code well and work with a team to ensure software applications operate smoothly.
- Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) is best suited for you if you enjoy converting raw materials into useful everyday products such as food, petrol, cosmetics and more. You will be able to strengthen your understanding of chemical engineering through subjects such as chemistry, mechanics of fluids, and particle technology.
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) is best suited for students who wish to design, construct and maintain structures that would contribute to the betterment of society. You would be given quality guidance through subjects such as structural mechanics, road engineering, water treatment to name a few.
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) is a good course for students who enjoy dabbling in all things mechanical, from designing automatic control systems to creating aircraft parts using 3D printers. In this course, you would be able to widen your knowledge on subjects such as thermodynamics and heat transfer, mechanics of fluids, machine design and more.
- Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (Honours) offers subjects such as probability models in engineering, control system design, information and networks, among others, which will help you understand and ensure that electronic devices function properly.
- Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) enables students to design control systems for various applications, ranging from autonomous vehicles to miniature robots used in the medical field. You would be learning subjects such as design methods, digital systems and analogue electronics.
The field of engineering will continue to grow as the world continues to evolve and move towards a greener future. As such, engineers will always remain relevant given its specialised nature, so find your niche in this fulfilling and promising career.
Click here to start your journey to becoming an engineer and learn more about Monash’s courses.