If you’re preparing to start an Engineering degree, or already on the course, then you might be looking for additional resources to support your learning around the subject. Audiobooks have quickly become one of the more popular ways to engage with stories – whether you’re on the go, relaxing at home, or studying! Here are 9 of our favourite audiobooks for Engineering students...
1. Failure Is Not an Option: Mission Control from Mercury to Apollo 13
Gene Kranz
Gene Kranz is one of the most famous flight directors for NASA. He was a part of the Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 missions, both of which became a huge part of America’s manned space program. In this audiobook he provides information on these events, the team that were involved in its success and the nerve-wrenching moments that occurred throughout these historic flights. It also includes the stories of graduates, still in their twenties, and how their creative skills were a vital element in these missions. Audiobook Narrator: Danny Campbell
2. To Engineer is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design
Henry Petroski
Engineering involves incredibly complex planning and design. Since the beginning of time engineers have experimented with machinery, electricals and chemicals and learned from the outcomes. In this audiobook, author Henry Petroski looks back at a variety of engineering failures throughout the 1900’s, including the 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge disaster and the 1981 walkway collapse at Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel. He evaluates the progression made in engineering throughout the years and how the role of failure has enhanced the successes of engineers today. Audiobook narrator: Matthew Boston
3. How We Got to Now: Six Innovations that Made the Modern World
Steven Johnson
Innovation is at the heart of Engineering. Which is why it is so important to know what stimulates innovation, how it is developed and the ways in which it has created some of the greatest inventions of the modern world. This audiobook explores these innovations, from planning to product and why they have become so essential to our everyday lives. Audiobook narrator: George Newbern
4. Tesla: Inventor of the Electrical Age
W.Bernard Carlson
This audiobook explores how Nikola Tesla is of the most important figures in electrical engineering. As one of America’s ‘first celebrity scientists’, he helped to develop products in television and radio as well as producing tons of theoretical work that is still used in the industry today. Tesla is an inspiration for hundreds of engineers and his process of creating and presenting his inventions is admired around the world. Learn about his private and public life through this biography and be inspired. Audiobook narrator: Allan Robertson
5. Circuit Engineering: The Beginner’s Guide to Electronic Circuits, Semi-Conductors, Circuit Boards and Basic Electronics
Solis Tech
If you are going to be commencing in a degree in electrical engineering, this audiobook is a great way to learn the basics. It concentrates on the four key elements of circuit engineering; electronic circuits, semi-conductors, circuit boards and basic electronics. With step by step guides and summarised information, get prepared for your course! Audiobook narrator: Millian Quinteros
6. Managing Humans: Biting and Humorous Tales of a Software Engineering Manager
Michael Lopp
If you would like something a little more light- hearted, author Michael Lopp’s reminisces about his experiences working at companies such as Apple and Netscape. This audiobook is particularly focused around the stereotypes of Silicon Valley and the concept of inventors, trying to find the ‘next big thing’. The humorous stories make for some good advice if you aspire for a managerial role. It also provides insight into knowing what your future manager might be thinking! Audiobook narrator: TJ Johnson
7. How to Build a Car
Adrian Newey
If you have an interest in automotive engineering, this should be at the top of your list! One of the world’s greatest Formula 1 designers and perhaps one of Britain’s greatest engineers, Adrian Newey, provides an insight into his career. He designed cars with the prime motive of ‘making the car go faster’. With this goal in mind, he engineered some of the best pieces of machinery Formula 1 has ever seen. This audiobook carries the reader through the story of a man and his machine. Audiobook narrator: Richard Trinder
8. Women in Engineering: Follow Your Curiosities - Finding Success Through Learning
Jacquelyn Nagel
As part of a wider series, this audiobook concentrates on why curiosity is an important trait in every engineer. Particularly catered towards women in engineering, the author focuses on her journey throughout her career. She shares the lessons, opportunities and challenges she faced and how it all catered towards a successful engineering career. Audiobook narrator: Cat Lookabaugh
9. The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition
Don Norman
If the design isn’t great, the product is already set up for failure. As modern society continues to turn into an increasing visual world, design is becoming just as important as the engineering and product itself. This audiobook focuses on the importance of design in satisfying customers and how to avoid leaving them frustrated. There are two main elements that cater towards customer satisfaction when designing a new product: function and control. Be guided through the fundamentals of good design and the psychology behind it. Audiobook narrator: Neil Hellegers
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