SelectingaBranchofEngineering

by
JagdishHirani
ProfessorofMechanicalEngineering
A.D.PatelInstituteofTechnology,NewVallabhVidyanagar388121,Gujarat

Introduction
There are many branches in engineering. The degree courses offered in Gujarat states covers
more than 30 branches. It is a big question for students inspiring to build their career as an
engineer which branch to choose?
There is no specific answer for the same. Generally selection is based on the basis of
following criteria:

The projected job opportunities in a particular branch

The family background of the student in particular branch
The desire to join particular family business
The liking of the students for a particular branch
The willingness to be the part of challenging profession
The entrepreneurship opportunities
Role model from the business world

Whatever may be the deciding criteria for selecting a particular branch it is always essential
to have overall basic ideas of all the branches. Once you have an overall idea, you may go
explore details for the branches of your preference and choice through personal contacts and
discussions with engineers from the field.
The basic ideas for the major branches offered as degree engineering course in Gujarat are as
follows:
1. Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering deals with the development of new technology in the
field of aviation, space exploration and defence systems. It specialises in the designing,
construction, development, testing, operation and maintenance of both commercial and
military aircraft, spacecrafts and their components as well as satellites and missiles.

Though highly paid, the work is very demanding. An aeronautical engineer needs to be
physically fit, dedicated and alert with a sharp eye for detail. High level of mathematical
precision is desirable to be successful.
2. Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural engineering deals with application of engineering science and technology to
agricultural production and processing. Agricultural engineering integrates the disciplines of
animal biology, plant biology, and mechanical, civil and chemical engineering principles with
agricultural
principles

3. Automobile Engineering
Automobile engineering or automotive engineering deals with the design, manufacture and
operation of automobiles like buses, trucks, cars along with their respective engineering
subsystems. This can also be a termed as vehicle engineering.
An automobile engineers main duty is to design, test and develop vehicles and/or
components from concept stage through to production stage. The vehicle after being launched
in the market also needs improvement. Then it comes to the duty of the automobile engineer
to improve the vehicle in response to customers feedback.
Automobile engineers further can specialize in the areas such as aerodynamics, alternative
fuels, chassis, electronics, controls , mechatronics , emissions, ergonomics, manufacturing,
materials, motorsport, power train, rapid prototyping, vehicle and pedestrian safety or supply
chain management etc.
The responsibility of automobile engineer is always in maintaining the high standard of
vehicle by the use of traditional methods and state-of-the-art technology.
4. Biomedical Engineering / Biomedical & Instrumentation Engineering
Biomedical Engineering involves design and development of instruments, devices, and
software for development of new procedures or to conduct research needed for clinical
problems. A biomedical engineer uses the traditional engineering theory and techniques to
analyze and solve problems in Biology and medicine providing an overall enhancement of
health care.
Biomedical engineering deals with clinical engineering, tissue and genetic engineering,
biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, system physiology, biomechanics, bio-materials etc.
Students choose the biomedical engineering field to be of service to the mankind, to play a
part in the excitement of working with living systems, and to apply advanced engineering
technology to the complex problems of medical care.
The biomedical engineer works with other health care professionals including doctors,
physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians and instrumentation manufacturers.
5. Biotechnology
Biotechnology is technology based on biology, especially when used in agriculture, food
science, and medicine. United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity defines
biotechnology as Any technological application that uses biological living systems, dead
organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use.
6. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering deals with the application of physical science (e.g. chemistry and
physics), with mathematics, to the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into
more useful or valuable forms like paints, dyes, varnishes, colours etc. In addition to

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producing useful materials, modern chemical engineering is also concerned with pioneering
valuable new materials and techniques - such as nanotechnology, fuel cells and biomedical
engineering.
Chemical engineering largely involves the design and maintenance of chemical processes for
large-scale manufacture.
7. Civil Engineering
Civil engineering deals with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and
naturally built environment, including works such as bridges, roads, canals, dams and
buildings.
Civil engineering is the oldest engineering discipline after military engineering, and it was
defined to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering. It is traditionally
broken into several sub-disciplines including environmental engineering, geotechnical
engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, municipal or urban
engineering, water resources engineering, materials engineering, coastal engineering,
surveying, and construction engineering.

8. Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering deals with both Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Computer engineers usually have training in electrical engineering, software design and
hardware-software integration. Computer engineers are involved in many aspects of
computing, from the design of individual microprocessors, personal computers, and
supercomputers, to circuit design. This field of engineering not only focuses on how
computer systems themselves work, but also how they integrate into the larger picture of any
business.
Computer engineers are usually involved in writing software and firmware for embedded
microcontrollers, designing VLSI chips, designing analog sensors, designing mixed signal
circuit boards, and designing operating systems. Computer engineers are also suited for
robotics research, which relies heavily on using digital systems to control and monitor
electrical systems like motors, communications, and sensors.
9. Computer Science & Engineering
Computer science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation,
and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems. It
is frequently described as the systematic study of algorithmic processes that describe and
transform information.
Computer science has many sub-fields e.g. computer graphics, computation of specific
results, computational complexity theory, properties of computational problems. The others
challenges in implementing computations are also studied e.g. programming language theory
studies approaches to describing computations, while computer programming applies specific
programming languages to solve specific computational problems, and human-computer

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interaction focuses on the challenges in making computers and computations useful, usable,
and universally accessible to people.
The focus of computer science is more on understanding the properties of the programs used
to implement software such as games and web-browsers, and using that understanding to
create new programs or improve existing ones.
10. Electrical engineering
Electrical engineering deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and
electromagnetism. The field first became an identifiable occupation in the late nineteenth
century after commercialization of the electric telegraph and electrical power supply. It now
covers a range of subtopics including power, electronics, control systems, signal processing
and telecommunications.
Electrical engineering generally deals with the problems associated with large-scale electrical
systems such as power generation, transmission, distribution and utilization.
11. Electronics
Electronics deals with the flow of electrons through nonmetallic conductors, mainly
semiconductors such as silicon. It is distinct from electrical science and technology, which
deal with the flow of electrons and other charge carriers through metal conductors such as
copper.
The study of semiconductor devices and related technology is considered a branch of physics,
whereas the design and construction of electronic circuits to solve practical problems come
under electronics engineering.
Electronics Engineering affects our daily lives in various ways. Electronics has not only made
our life easier but enjoyable too. It has provided to us the equipments like Television, Radio,
computers and telephones etc. The technology of electronics and telecommunication helps us
to see, hear and communicate over vast distances and do things faster. Electronics has a
major role in improving productivity in industries like oil, energy, agriculture and so many
other important sectors of economy.
An electronics engineer works to design, fabricate, produce, test and supervise the
manufacturing of complex products and systems i.e. electronic equipments and components
for a number of industries including hospitals, computer industries, electronic data processing
systems for communication and in defence etc. Electronics engineers work with devices that
use extremely small amounts of power. They work with microprocessors, fibre optics, and in
telecommunication, television, radio etc.
Electronics engineering is a rapidly growing sector where there is excellent job opportunity
for the skilled professionals. Individuals with zeal to learn and having creative and inventive
mind will probably find electronics engineering a challenging and lucrative career.

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12. Electronics & Communication / Telecommunication Engineering

Electronics & Communication deals with study of power, electronics, control systems, signal
processing and telecommunications.
Telecommunication is the assisted transmission over a distance for the purpose of
communication.
Telecommunication is an important part of the world economy.
13. Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to
improve the environment (air, water, and/or land resources), to provide healthy water, air, and
land for human habitation and for other organisms, and to remediate polluted sites.
Environmental engineering involves water and air pollution control, recycling, waste
disposal, and public health issues as well as a knowledge of environmental engineering law.
It also includes studies on the environmental impact of proposed construction projects.
Environmental engineers conduct hazardous-waste management studies to evaluate the
significance of such hazards, advice on treatment and containment, and develop regulations
to prevent mishaps. Environmental engineers also design municipal water supply and
industrial wastewater treatment systems as well as being concerned with local and worldwide
environmental issues such as the effects of acid rain, ozone depletion, water pollution and air
pollution from automobile exhausts and industrial sources.
14. Food Processing Technology
Food processing technology deals with the application of food science and technologies for
food processing. Agriculture products, being seasonal and location specific, needs processing
and preservation to enhance shelf life, quality and availability round the year at all the places.
Food technologists study the physical, microbiological, and chemical makeup of food.
Depending on their area of specialization food technologists may develop ways to process,
preserve, package, or store food, according to industry and government specifications and
regulations.
Heat has important influences on food processing. Computer-based control systems and
'minimal' technologies, including processing using high pressures or pulsed electric fields and
ohmic heating are part of food processing technology. It also addresses properties of food and
processing theory and control, ambient-temperature processing, processing by application of
heat using steam, water, hot air, hot oils and by direct and radiated energy and removal of
heat: by chilling, freezing, and controlled or modified atmosphere storage.
It also deals with post-processing operations such as coating, packaging, filling and sealing
containers, and material handling and distribution

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15. Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineering is also known as operations management, management science,
systems engineering, or manufacturing engineering.
One of the central principles in industrial engineering is the "system" concept. A system is
any organization or business process in which people, materials, information, equipment,
processes or energy interact in an integrated fashion. This high-level view of business
operations enables industrial engineers to manage various industries. Therefore, industrial
engineers apply their skills across a diverse set of sectors such as financial, healthcare,
manufacturing, retail, logistics, aviation and education.
The various topics of concern to industrial engineers include management science, financial
engineering, engineering management, supply chain management, process engineering,
operations research, systems engineering, ergonomics, value engineering and quality
engineering.

16. Information Technology

Information technology is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or
management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and
computer hardware." IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to
convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information.
The information technology umbrella can be quite large, covering many fields. IT
professionals perform a variety of duties that range from installing applications to designing
complex computer networks and information databases. A few areas that IT professionals
deals with include data management, networking, engineering computer hardware, database
and software design, as well as the management and administration of entire systems.
Information Technology is also defined as the branch of technology concerned with the
dissemination, processing, and storage of information, especially by means of computers.
17. Instrumentation and Control Engineering
Instrumentation is the branch of science that deals with measurement and control.
Instrumentation and Control Engineering is the development and use of precise measuring,
analysis, and control equipment. Among the oldest known instruments of measurement was
the armillary sphere, an astronomical instrument used in ancient China and Greece.
An instrument is a device that measures or manipulates variables such as flow, temperature,
level, or pressure. Instruments include many varied contrivances which can be as simple as
valves and transmitters, and as complex as analyzers. Instruments often comprise control
systems of varied processes. The control of processes is one of the main branches of applied
instrumentation.

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The industrial application of electricity required instruments to measure current, voltage, and
resistance. Today most manufacturing processes rely on instrumentation for monitoring
chemical, physical, and environmental properties. Instruments used in medicine and
biomedical research are just as varied as those in industry.
Control instrumentation includes devices such as solenoids, Electrically Operated Valves,
breakers, relays, etc. These devices are able to change a field parameter, and provide remote
and/or automated control capabilities.
Instrumentation plays a significant role in both gathering information from the field and
changing the field parameters, and as such are a key part of control loops.
18. Irrigation & Water Management
Irrigation is an artificial application of water to the soil usually for assisting in growing crops.
In crop production it is mainly used in dry areas and in periods of rainfall shortfalls, but also
to protect plants against frost. Additionally irrigation helps to suppress growth of weeds in
rice fields. In addition, irrigation helps to prevents soil consolidation. In contrast, agriculture
that relies only on direct rainfall is referred to as rain-fed farming. Irrigation is often studied
together with drainage, which is the natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface
water from a given area.
.
Water management is the activity of planning for harnessing rain water, developing,
distributing and optimum use of water resources under defined water polices and regulations.
Water resources are sources of water that are useful or potentially useful to humans. Uses of
water include agricultural, industrial, household, recreational and environmental activities.
Virtually all of these human uses require fresh water.

19. Marine Engineering

Marine Engineering involves the design, construction, installation, operation and support of
the systems and equipment which propel and control marine vehicles, and of the systems
which make a vehicle or structure habitable for crew, passengers and cargo.
Marine Engineering is allied to mechanical engineering, although the modern marine
engineer requires knowledge (and hands on experience) with electrical, electronic,
pneumatic, hydraulic, chemistry, control engineering, naval architecture or ship design,
process engineering, steam generations gas turbines and even nuclear technology on certain
military vessels.
Marine Engineering on board a ship refers to the operation and maintenance of the propulsion
and other systems such as: electrical power generation plant; lighting; air conditioning;
refrigeration; and water systems on board the vessel. This work is carried out by Marine
Engineering Officers, who usually train via cadetships sponsored by a variety of Maritime
organisations.

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Marine engineering also embraces other areas such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
research; Marine renewable energy research; and careers related to the offshore extractive
and infrastructure industries.
20. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is an engineering discipline that involves the application of
principles of physics for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical
systems. Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines.
It requires a solid understanding of core concepts including mechanics, kinematics,
thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and energy. Mechanical engineers use the core principles
as well as other knowledge in the field to design and analyze motor vehicles, aircraft, heating
and cooling systems, watercraft, manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery,
robotics, medical devices and more.
21. Mechatronics
Mechatronics (or Mechanical and Electronics Engineering) is the synergistic combination of
mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, control engineering, systems design
engineering, and computer engineering to create useful products. The purpose of this
interdisciplinary engineering field is the study of automata from an engineering perspective
and serves the purposes of controlling advanced hybrid systems. The word itself is a
combination of 'Mechanics' and 'Electronics'
Mechatronics is centred on mechanics, electronics, control engineering, computing,
molecular engineering (from nanochemistry and biology) which, combined, make possible
the generation of simpler, more economical, reliable and versatile systems.
Mechatronics may alternatively be referred to as "electromechanical systems" or less often as
"control and automation engineering". An industrial robot is a prime example of a
mechatronics system; it includes aspects of electronics, mechanics and computing, so it can
carry out its day to day jobs.
22. Metallurgy
Metallurgy deals with the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, their
intermetallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. It is also the technology
of metals: the way in which science is applied to their practical use. Metallurgy is commonly
used in the craft of metalworking.
Extractive metallurgy is the practice of removing valuable metals from an ore and refining
the extracted raw metals into a purer form. In order to convert a metal oxide or sulfide to a
purer metal, the ore must be reduced either physically, chemically, or electrolytically.

23. Mining Engineering

Mining engineering deals with the practice, the theory, the science, the technology, and
application of extracting and processing minerals from a naturally occurring environment.

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Mining engineering also includes processing minerals for additional value. It also deals with
developments of new metals for space and composite materials for complex applications.
The need for mineral extraction and production is an essential activity of modern society.
Mining activities by their nature cause a disturbance of the environment in and around which
the minerals are located. Modern mining engineers must therefore be concerned not only with
the production and processing of mineral commodities, but also with the mitigation of
damage or to the environment as a result of that production and processing

24. Plastic Technology

Plastics Technology covers Plastics Fundamentals, Properties, and the behaviour,
characterization, and evaluation of polymers. This technology is growing due to versatility of
this non-metallic class of materials.
Examining polymers at the molecular level and their inherent properties and their end-use
properties can be influenced through changes in the molecular architecture or incorporation
of various fillers and additives. The course covers a wide spectrum of topics by sequentially
introducing structural aspects, properties, and applications. The mechanical, electrical,
optical, and thermal properties of polymers is achieved through molecular and structural
features.
Plastics Technology deals with study of Tooling, Precision Machining on CNC machines,
Design and Manufacturing of Molds for Plastics products, CAD/CAM/CAE services, Plastics
product manufacturing through state of art Injection molding machines, Blow molding, PET
Stretch blow molding, Pipe and Film extrusion etc, Testing and quality control for Plastics
Materials and products, Pre delivery inspection of plastics products like PVC and PE pipes,
Woven sacks, Water storage tanks, Micro-irrigation plastics implements, Engineered bamboo
boards, Polymer based composite doors etc.

25. Power Electronics

Power electronics is the applications of solid-state electronics for the control and conversion
of electric power
Power electronic converters can be found wherever there is a need to modify the electrical
energy form (i.e. modify its voltage, current or frequency). Therefore, their power range from
some mill watts (as in a mobile phone) to hundreds of megawatts (e.g in a HVDC
transmission system). With "classical" electronics, electrical currents and voltage are used to
carry information, whereas with power electronics, they carry power. Therefore the main
metric of power electronics becomes the efficiency.
The first very high power electronic devices were mercury arc valves. In modern systems the
conversion is performed with semiconductor switching devices such as diodes, thyristors and
transistors. In contrast to electronic systems concerned with transmission and processing of
signals and data, in power electronics substantial amounts of electrical energy are processed.
An AC/DC converter (rectifier) is the most typical power electronics device found in many
consumer electronic devices, e.g., television sets, personal computers, battery chargers, etc.

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The power range is typically from tens of watts to several hundred watts. In industry the most
common application is the variable speed drive (VSD) that is used to control an induction
motor. The power range of VSDs start from a few hundred watts and end at tens of
megawatts.

26. Production Engineering

Production Engineering aims at bringing optimum co-ordination among manufacturing
processes, plant, manpower and managerial policies for maximum productivity with most
economical input of capital Resources.
The Production Engineering is closely associated with Mechanical Engineering and
managerial aspects of Manufacturing Engineering.
The same discipline is known as Manufacturing Engineering in the U.S.A., Machine Tool
Technology in Germany and Russia and Production Engineering in the U.K. and rest of
Europe.
27. Rubber Technology
Rubber technology deals with the transformation of rubbers or elastomers into useful
products, such as automobile tires. The materials include latex, natural rubber, synthetic
rubber and other polymeric materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers.
28. Textile Engineering / Technology / Processing

Textile Engineering deals with plant design and layout, machineries design operation and
maintenance for converting fibres into useful textile products. It also includes design and
improvement, and designing and creating textile products.
Textile technology deals with the application of scientific and engineering principles to the
design and control of all aspects of fibre, textiles, and apparel processes and products. It
includes natural and man-made materials, interaction of materials with machines, safety and
health, energy conservation, and waste and pollution control.
Textile Processing deals with processes right from removal of protruding fibres to washing,
bleaching, dyeing, printing and finishing of yarn / fabric.
It encourages creativity and imagination on numerous techniques evolved in dyeing and
printing of different materials such as cotton, bamboo, jute and different types of dyestuffs.

Career opportunities
The career opportunities in different branches of engineering and technology are reasonably
rewarding. However it is to be noted that, the standard and reputation of institutions in which
the candidates study have a great impact on success in the employment market.

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That is why choosing the right institution and branch of study having good career potentials
are often, beyond the control of individuals.
In these days of global volatile financial situation, it is advisable to opt for a postgraduate
degree in engineering / technical field or in management areas. It is preferable to study in
newly emerging areas as it would go a long way in ensuring a satisfying career.
It is to be noted that the career opportunities are in different directions. They are as follows:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Scope of further studies in challenging fields of global economy

Nation / Region specific industrial developments
Government policy leading to employment opportunities in a specific field
Students own competence and overall personality
Students desire to accept challenges to work in remote / rural areas or work in
developing countries
Students willingness and capability of further studies
Students ability to accept challenges of working in interdisciplinary projects
Students overall excellent and consistent academic performance

There are some branches in which there are opportunities in many fields and where as there
are some branches in which the opportunities are in a particular or a limited field or specific
geographical locations. It is always desirable to assess the potential opportunities; however
it is fact that it is really very hard to predict precise growth opportunities in a particular
branch. In such situation it is true that your exposure to engineering studies makes you
capable to learn any specific subjects in real life situation to make your career satisfactory.

Brief introduction of Prof. Jagdish Hirani

Prof. Jagdish Hirani is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at ADIT. He is also responsible for Industry
Institution Interaction and placements. He is an approved academic supervisor (guide) for M. Sc. in
Engineering Business Management program offered by WARWICK University, UK.
He is having over thirty nine years of experience comprising of shop floor industrial experience in a leading
rubber industry, fabrication industry, government engineering college, world leading textile industry, self
financed engineering college and was involved in projects of international organization like UNDP, IFC
World Bank, USAID, ASSOCALOR (Italy), BTTG, ADB on different senior positions.
He has provided consultancy to mines, food, textile, engineering, software, electrical, construction, packaging,
chemical, rubber, garment, information technology, biotechnology, hotel and club, furniture industries and
leading traders including chartered accountant, educational institutions, and lawyer firm. He has been
associated with over 100 organizations and prepared them for open economy and globalization. The success in
his assignments from different sectors is through his self-learning capacity and strong commitment for
understanding and respecting human values. He has trained over few thousand employees from different
business sectors, institutions and government organizations.

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