Engineers need a broad basic knowledge of science and technology for their work. Great importance has been given in recent years to the effects of technological developments on the environment and society. The energy transition even dominates some areas of work. In the course of advanced digitalization, an affinity to information technology (IT) is also in demand, as more and more production sites are digitally networked ("smart factory"). Also with regard to the increasing digitization of the work and production processes ("Industry 4.0") intuition, imagination is necessary - it is no coincidence that the term "engineer" comes from the Latin word "ingenium" (= creative mind, acumen).
Central to the study of engineering are the technical contents of natural sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology) and technology. In addition, students also gain basic knowledge in the areas of economics, social sciences and law, especially in business administration. Global economy, language skills and openness to other culturs (such as Asian) also play a major role. In addition, the teaching of general qualifications, e.g. Leadership, presentation techniques and rhetoric, is part of an engineering degree.