Beberapa hari yang lalu ada diskusi mengenai lulusan perguruan tinggi. Kemudian tibalah pada definisi apa itu scientists, engineers, dan seterusnya. Bingung. Seingat saya di salah satu buku teks yang digunakan di kuliah dulu pernah ada definisi ini. Setelah mencari-cari, akhirnya ketemu. Horeee… Ini dia.
Dari buku Holtzapple dan Reece, “Concepts in Engineering,” McGraw-Hill:
Scientist, who study nature in order to advance human knowledge. Although some scientists work in industry on practical problems, others have successful carreers publishing results that may not have immediate practical applications. Typical degree requirement: BS, MS, PhD.
Engineers, who apply their knowledge of science, mathematics, and economics to develop useful devices, structures, and processes. Typical degree requirement: BS, MS, PhD.
Technologists, who apply science and mathematics to well-defined problems that generally do not requitre the depth of knowledge possessed by engineers and scientists. Typical degree requirement: BS.
Technicians, who work closely with engineers and scientists to accomplish specific tasks such as drafting, laboratory procedures, and model building. Typical degree requirement: two-year associate’s degree.
Artisans, who have the manual skills (welding, machining, carpentry) to construct devices specified by scientists, engineers, technologists, and technicians. Typical degree requirement: high school diploma plus experience.
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