In theory and practice, engineering and engineering technology share a common foundation of knowledge in math, science, engineering, and design principles. During the engineering process, an engineer assumes responsibility for the research, analysis, design, and development of a project. The engineer’s skills are largely conceptual, requiring an understanding of complex math, science, and the fundamental principles of physical design.
Engineering technology may be described as the “practical applications arm” of engineering. Once a project engineer has determined that an idea is theoretically feasible within the parameters observed in the physical world, the main task of the technologist is to translate the engineer’s idea into practical reality. To apply engineering principles in a tangible, “real-world” manner, the technologist typically performs a number of tasks related to testing, evaluation, production, and technical analysis.
