TO: Professor Stone

FROM: Sofia Portugal

DATE: 09/20/14
SUBJECT: Engineering

In what follows, I introduce my research project, provide background information on the project
and a review of literature, and discuss my research procedure and methodology. I submit this
research proposal for your review and approval.

Introduction
This research project deals with engineering and the different branches within the field. The
primary reason for this research project is to increase my knowledge about the discipline of
engineering. Second, I will be able to enter this discipline with a better understanding of how to
become a member of this discourse community. Third, it will help me become a more successful
student. Fourth, I will be able to learn what engineering branches best fit my interests, abilities,
and career goals.

Literature Review/Background
This project is associated with the different engineering branches and what each of them entails.
It deals with what a typical engineer would do on a regular basis in each of the branches. The
project will explore the differences between each of the fields, as well as the varying professions
within each. The project will also compare the job opportunities provided by each of the
branches. It will explore the requirements, from academic courses to varying skills, needed to
become an engineer. To my knowledge, in this semester, in this discipline, and at this university,
nobody has explored these ideas in specifically the same manner in which I intend to explore
them.

Procedure/Methodology
I plan to conduct interviews, surveys, and document analyses in order to collect information to
successfully complete my research project. I will need access to books, access to the Internet,
typing, and cooperation of one professor and several students.

Interviews
I will interview one professor in the discipline of engineering.
I will interview one student.

Surveys
I will conduct a survey to understand what year of their studies do engineering majors consider
to be the most difficult. I will also conduct another survey to discover what classes are the most
difficult and the easiest, as well as which classes are often liked or disliked.

Document Analyses
I will conduct analyses on course descriptions, engineering books, job descriptions, and
numerous different websites.

Conclusion
I am looking forward to seeing this research project through, and I am very confident I will
complete the project successfully. I am deeply intrigued about the prospect of my potential
research findings. I am enthusiastic about learning more about the discipline of engineering in
order to help me become a more successful student, help me become a member of the
engineering community, and to help me come up with a career path that best suits me.