Book excerpt: 30-Second Engineering surveys the tasks and challenges that engineers face in every field, from civil to electrical, and explores their methods, inventions, and achievements. This introduction to engineering is split into 7 chapters that cover: Engineering Methods--from problem solving to applying mathematics Civil & Environmental Engineering--building bridges, taming rivers and industry ethics Mechanical, Materials & Mechatronic Engineering--from thrust bearings to robotics Chemical Engineering & Energy Production--energy supplies and industry hazards Electrical & Electronic Engineering--from computers to internet storage and biomedical body parts Aerospace & Transport Engineering--driverless cars, floating factories and lessons from space Engineering the future--how engineers endeavour to save the planet Plus profiles of notable engineers, such as Ernst Dickmanns, William Rankine, Liang Jianying and Fazlur Khan. Each topic is summarised in 300 words with one image, helping you understand the subject at great speed. Written by industry experts from around the world, this book gives incredible insight to an underrated but integral occupation. Without it, skyscrapers, driverless cars, energy supply systems, AI, factories, the internet, and aircraft would not exist. Engineering enabled our evolution and this book will arm you with the conversational prowess to discuss it.