Learning computer programming is essential for engineering students these days. Various CAD and CAM softwares are to be handled by the engineers, as almost all the projects are designed with CAD software and CAM software and have a significant role in the manufacturing processes. There are many programming languages that need to be learned by the mechanical engineer students. These include FORTRAN, Matlab, C and C++ etc. How many of these may be taught to the aspirant mechanical engineers in only 8 or 10 periods allotted in the curriculum of undergraduate mechanical engineering courses? Then which language should be taught in this short duration?

Various programming languages are included in the curriculum of mechanical engineering courses. Assembly languages are taught to them to make them familiar with the hardware interface. C programming language is taught as structured programming language and is useful for developing the hardware interface applications. In the last year of the undergraduate mechanical courses C++, an objected oriented programming language is included. Which computer language should be emphasized on during this limited period?

No doubt, C language is must for all the mechanical engineer students. Matlab language used for mathematical programming was preferred since 1998 and was replaced by FORTRAN. The FORTRAN language ruined the mechanical engineering courses since 1998 and was one of the four languages for the undergraduate students of mechanical engineering. However the FORTRAN language was not capable of meeting all the needs of engineers and that was the reason the BC was introduced in the curriculum. It was learned from the experience that the student who were well versed in the programming with Malabo were not capable of handling research projects. So, in most of the academic institutions, the programming language BC was induced in the curriculum in 2003. Why “BC” was preferred over the other programming languages.

The reason is that the BC language supports 64-bit computing and adheres to the international standards that are supported by the major computing industry companies. On the other hand, Matlab is a proprietary language used in mathematical programming. Certainly the technology that is open to all is better than a proprietary of any one. Just guess the popularity of C. According to statistic shown by some reports, the language C holds the second position in Programming Community Index with 16.8 percent of the market, next to the Java, the another programming language used for E-commerce on the Internet. The Matlab is nowhere available in the index.

Why the programming language C is preferred for the mechanical engineer curriculum? The C language is much preferred language for hardware interfaces. This is the language that is used for the embedded software for the various home appliances. Did you ever realize this while changing the channels of your TV with your remote? May your wife know that she is using software written in C while using computerized washing machine or microwave oven?

I know, you want more information about the programming language C and the reason this language is being taught in mechanical engineering curriculum. Is it possible for me to explain this here? I will suggest you to go online for more information.

Would you like to make “I’m a rambling wreck from Georgia Tech and a heck of an engineer” a reality in your life? Have you always enjoyed tinkering around with cars and figuring out what made stuff work? Does being a team player developing products that are the cutting edge of technology appeal to you? Then automotive engineering might be the career for you.

Generally, an automotive engineer is one who works on the design or manufacture of automobiles. The word design is slightly misleading since an automotive designer is a stylist basically concerned with the appearance of the automobile while the engineer specializes in the performance of the automobile and its components.

The engineer works on developing new or improved structural parts, engines, transmissions and suspension systems. The engineer is involved in production cost estimation, reduction of production costs and implementing cost/quality control improvements. The engineer must be sure that the product meets all federal regulations. In the case of new designs, it is the engineer who determines driveability.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Dictionary of Occupational Titles, automotive engineering is a sub-specialty of mechanical engineering.

Even though the automotive manufacturing industry is in a slump at this time, there is still a demand for engineers due to the current focus on fuel economy and alternate fueled vehicles. The field is expected to grow as fast as average through 2014.

While there are global opportunities for automotive engineers in countries as far flung as Malaysia and the United Kingdom, most jobs within the US are centered in the Midwest since that is the major location of the auto industry. The big three employers in the United States are Ford, General Motors and Daimler-Chrysler.

The working environment is a combination of office and on site. The entry-level salary starts at around $48,000 annually and a Bachelor of Science degree is required. In addition to the degree, the engineer should have excellent communication skills, strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

As with any engineering degree, the choice of a college is crucial. While all engineering colleges are selective, the better and the best are even more so.

One characteristic you need to look for in a college is the quality of instruction. Are all the classes taught by professional teachers and not graduate assistants? Do these teachers have industry connections? Is simulation and hands-on an integral part of the program?

Does the college offer internships or work study opportunities? Internships and work-study are very important as they offer a path to instant employment upon graduation. The same is true of having instructors with industry connections. It also doesn’t hurt to consider a college that offers advanced degrees in the event you decide to go further than a bachelor’s degree.

To ensure admission to the college of choice, a high school graduate should have a high GPA with a strong background in calculus, advanced math, statistics, physics, chemistry and geometry. Vocational classes in automotive mechanics are also helpful. It will also be necessary to score high on whatever college admissions test the school requires as the admissions committee will base their decision on both your high school record and admissions test scores.