Core and Hybrid Engineering: What's the Difference?

Engineering is known to be one of the more complex fields of study among the other fields that students commonly choose to pursue.  We know that there are several branches of engineering, but what’s the difference between mechanical engineering and mechatronics engineering? What can you do in one that may not be available in the other? How do you differentiate between core and hybrid engineering?

What is core engineering?

Core engineering refers to the four main branches of engineering, which is the following: civil engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. Within each core engineering, there are various 'subsets' or subdisciplines that the main branches comprise of.

Civil engineering is a branch of engineering related to the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and natural built environments. Thus, some of its subsets include construction, geotechnical, hydrology, and highway engineering.

Chemical engineering is the application of chemical, physical and biological sciences to the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more valuable forms. Some of its subsets include materials engineering and process engineering.

Mechanical engineering refers to the design and analysis of heat and mechanical power for the operation of machines and mechanical systems. Disciplines you may find within this branch are manufacturing engineering and vehicle engineering.

Finally, electrical engineering comprises the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. Within this branch, you would typically find electronic engineering, computer engineering and power engineering.

What is hybrid engineering?

Hybrid engineering programmes are those that consist of two different main branches of engineering. For example, within a mechatronics engineering programme, students will be taught subjects within the mechanical engineering and electrical engineering programmes respectively. In short, it is a combined study of two different branches of engineering. However, it should be noted that in studying a combination of two different branches of engineering, the various subjects will be covered but you will likely not go in-depth into the subjects.

So... what's the difference?

Choosing a core engineering programme would allow you to become a specialist or expert within the chosen field. As you would be focusing on one particular branch of engineering, you can become licensed in the chosen field of engineering. For example, if you pursue civil engineering, you can do research and further your studies within the programme.

When you pursue a hybrid engineering programme such as mechatronics engineering, you would be learning all the subjects generally instead of focusing on one branch of engineering.

Is one better than the other?

Not necessarily. It entirely depends on what you plan to do in the future. If you're sure about specialising in a particular field or scope of engineering and you are planning to become licensed within the field, then pursuing a core engineering programme would be suitable for you. However, if you would like to learn all the various subjects in general, then you may pursue a hybrid engineering programme. Both types of programmes would give you equal job opportunities, so you won't need to worry too much about looking for a job upon graduation!

For more info about the types of engineering, feel free to watch our YouTube video below!

Besides that, you can also view the different engineering courses on our 'Courses' section of the website by clicking here!

There are also many universities in Malaysia that offer both core and hybrid engineering programmes, such as the ones below:

• Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
• Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
• Curtin University, Malaysia
• University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS)

To find out more scholarships and courses, click here and here.

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