Electrical engineer
Works with: electricity, electronics, wiring, sensors and control systems.
Example: lighting, motors, displays, monitoring systems.
Duns Park link: water-level sensors or data logging.
S3 Engineering Science · Unit 1
What is an Engineer?
This page is a revision and help guide for the first S3 Engineering Science unit. Use it to remind yourself what engineers do, how systems work, and how engineering can affect people, money and the environment.
The main example is a local flood-risk problem in Duns Park and the Bluidy Burn area.
Revision focus
The full tasks and R/A/G tracking are in the booklet. This webpage is for quick revision.
- Know the four main engineer types: electrical, mechanical, civil and chemical/materials.
- Explain systems using input → process → output → feedback.
- Use Duns Park and Bluidy Burn as a real engineering example.
- Explain social, economic and environmental impacts.
- Write answers using what + why.
Types of engineers
Most real projects need several types of engineers working together.
Mechanical engineer
Works with: moving parts, machines, forces and mechanisms.
Example: pumps, gates, valves, brakes, gears.
Duns Park link: pumps or moving flood-control parts, if needed.
Civil engineer
Works with: buildings, roads, bridges, drainage and infrastructure.
Example: paths, culverts, bridges, flood defences.
Duns Park link: drainage routes, paths and ground works.
Chemical or materials engineer
Works with: materials, fuels, coatings and chemical processes.
Example: rust protection, plastics, paints, water treatment.
Duns Park link: durable materials for wet outdoor conditions.
Revision tip: If a question asks what an engineer does, do not just name the engineer.
Say what they would design or improve, then explain why it matters.
Systems thinking
A system is a group of parts working together to do a job. Engineers often describe systems using input, process, output and feedback.
| Part | Meaning | Simple example |
|---|---|---|
| Input | What goes into the system. | A sensor detects a person. |
| Process | What happens inside the system. | The control system sends a signal. |
| Output | The result. | The door opens. |
| Feedback | Information used to check or improve the system. | The system checks the door opened fully. |
Duns Park system example
Input: rainfall, surface water and groundwater.
Process: wetlands, drainage routes, planting and land shaping slow or store the water.
Output: reduced flood risk, better access and improved habitats.
Feedback: site checks, water-level data and community feedback show if the solution is working.
Local case study: Duns Park and Bluidy Burn
This case study shows how engineering is used to solve a real local problem. The challenge is not only to reduce flooding. Engineers also need to think about access, safety, cost, habitats and long-term use of the park.
Flooding and waterlogged ground
Parts of Duns Park can become waterlogged and difficult to use. Paths, wetland areas and access routes may be affected when the ground is saturated.
Reduce flood risk
The aim is to manage water better while keeping the park useful, safe and good for wildlife.
Nature-based flood management
Wetlands, planting, drainage routes and land shaping can help slow, store or redirect water.
Balance different needs
A good solution should reduce flooding without creating unnecessary cost, disruption or environmental damage.
Big question:
How could engineers help reduce flooding in Duns Park while keeping the park useful,
safe and good for wildlife?
Impacts of engineering
Engineering projects can have positive and negative impacts. A strong answer says what the impact is and why it matters.
Effects on people
Positive: people may be able to use paths and park areas more often.
Negative: construction work may temporarily limit access.
Sentence starter: One social impact is...
Effects on money and jobs
Positive: a more usable park may support visitors and local events.
Negative: the project will cost money to design, build and maintain.
Sentence starter: One economic impact is...
Effects on the natural world
Positive: wetlands and planting may improve habitats.
Negative: construction could disturb habitats if not planned carefully.
Sentence starter: One environmental impact is...
What + why example
Weak answer: It makes the park better.
Better answer: One positive social impact is that people may be able to use the park paths more often. This matters because flooding can make parts of the park difficult or unsafe to access.
Poster or presentation help
Your final output should explain the case study clearly. It does not need to include every detail from the booklet.
Suggested structure
- What is the problem?
- Which engineers could be involved?
- How could the flood-management system work?
- What are the social, economic and environmental impacts?
- What is your recommendation?
Minimum evidence
- At least three engineer types.
- One input-process-output-feedback system diagram.
- One positive and one negative impact.
- A final recommendation using what + why.
Quick self-check
Try these before a quiz, class discussion or final poster/presentation.
- Name the four main types of engineers in this unit.
- Describe one job a civil engineer could do in the Duns Park project.
- Explain a system using input, process, output and feedback.
- Give one positive social impact of reducing flooding in the park.
- Give one negative economic impact of the project.
- Give one environmental impact and explain why it matters.
- Write one full answer using what + why.
Best revision method:
answer the questions out loud first, then check the booklet if you get stuck.
Useful links
PDF booklet
The full class booklet with tasks, tables and R/A/G tracking.
Open bookletScottish Borders Council consultation
Information about the Duns Park and Bluidy Burn flood-risk project.
Open sourceCouncil news article
Background on plans to relieve flood risk in the park area.
Open sourceFunding article
Background on nature-based solutions and project funding.
Open source