Comparisons of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering
- Isabella Trevino
- Aug 13, 2020
- 3 min read
By: Isabella Trevino
To start, environmental and mechanical engineering are two studies and professions that allow bright minds to innovate and use science plus math to help solve world problems in relation to climate change. Environmental engineers focus on the sustainability of our environment, while mechanical goes beyond what our mind can think of.
Environmental Engineering:
The study and practice of environmental engineering include principles of chemistry, biology, and soil sciences to develop solutions to problems. Improving recycling, waste control, air pollution, public health and the race of combating climate change are only some of their assignments, as they analyze the environment as a whole and help prevent the worsening of our planet. Environmental engineers oversee the safe water systems in our community as well as the future innovations of combating climate change. They work on sustainability for our environment and use different math and science skills to help complete their work.
Traditionally, it takes about 4 years or the completion of a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering in order to begin working and practicing the profession. Some colleges and universities only offer the study in the Master’s program as a branch of civil, mechanical, or even chemical engineering. The qualities employers look for in environmental engineers are imagination, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, reading, and writing skills. Environmental engineers primarily work for state and local governments, working on water waste treatment and federally working on the cleanup of contaminated sites.
Mechanical Engineering:
The study and practice of mechanical engineering include the principles of physics to design and manufacture products for the future of technology. Designing, developing, building and testing are all key factors to the work mechanical engineers enforce. When designing new machines, they make sure each product is to be used safely, efficiently, reliably, and all at an affordable cost. They use problem-solving skills to help solve problems in areas such as healthcare, energy, transportation, world hunger, space exploration, climate change, and more. These engineers work with anything that is related to movement, from large systems like satellites to small systems such as switches.
Traditionally, mechanical engineers take about 4 years or the completion of a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering before beginning work. Since mechanical engineering is a common field in engineering, it is offered in most colleges and universities. Employers look at creativity, knowledge, and analytical skills in completing different plans. Mechanical engineers primarily work in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, biotechnology, and energy industries, as they are constantly in demand.
Similarities and Differences:
When the focus is on innovation for climate change, both engineers work on sustainability and efficiency. To be more specific, the work of environmental engineers is centered on data and the prevention of the worsening of climate change, whereas mechanical engineers design and develop technology to combat climate change itself. Environmental engineers work primarily in biology and chemistry, whilst mechanical uses the laws of physics the most. In the field, environmental conduct some of their research outdoors, not like mechanical where they design indoors and eventually send the plans off to build prototypes. When receiving your degree, a Bachelor’s in environmental only primarily focuses on water treatment, whereas in Mechanical you can branch out to your preferred profession or continue for your Masters, and become advanced in your field. A Master’s degree in both fields is encouraged, specifically if trying to innovate for the sustainability and future of our planet.
To close, both fields offer so many new opportunities and are crucial for the human race. When deciding what you want to become, conduct as much research as possible, and focus on what makes you most excited for your future. Environmental engineering and mechanical engineering are both great professions, as they will continue to be key factors in everything there is about our planet and the future of technology.
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