Better check with your seniors on this, based on what I've heard, certain engineering programs don't work with Macs...

And please follow the format, what is your preferred laptop size? 15? 

As previously mentioned, please check on software compatibilities 1st before considering to get an Apple.
I won't be recommending Apple in this case.

You might want to consider larger (at least 14" notebooks with higher resolution) since (iinm) having larger workspace would be more convenient for engineering stuffs 
For your requirements, can consider these (11-12" notebooks are either too weak/ too expensive):
Closest-
For portability and long battery life (at the expense of performance)
13"
Asus [Ultrabook] UX31A-R4005V, i5-3317U + Intel HD4000 + 128GB SSD + (1920 x 1080)@RM3499[1.3kg], 4GB, W7HP *ultrabook- if you are doing rendering for your course, you might experience lagginess
Dell [Ultrabook] XPS13, i5-2467M + Intel HD3000 + 128GB SSD@RM3499[1.36kg], 4GB, external optical drive
HP [Ultrabook] Pavilion dm3-1001TU (Folio 13), i5-2467M + Intel HD3000 + 128GB SSD@RM2999[1.49kg], W7HP

For performance at the expense of battery life and portability (not that much compromise actually )
13"
HP
ProBook 4341s, i5-3210M + AMD HD7570M@RM2699, 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), W7P, anti-glare
ProBook 5330m, i5-2520M + Intel HD3000@RM2599, W7HP, no DVD

Sony
Vaio SVS13118GGB, i7-3520M + Nvidia GT640M LE@RM3999[1.67kg], 4GB, 750GB(5400rpm), W7P
Vaio SVS13116FGB, i5-3210M + Nvidia GT640M LE@RM3299[1.72kg], 4GB, 640GB(5400rpm), W7HP

Toshiba Portégé R930-2019, i3-2370M + Intel HD3000@RM3499[1.4kg], W7P, 4GB, 640GB (7200rpm), Microsoft Office Home & Student 2010; 3 years warranty, color: metallic black *can look for previous R830 SB i5 versions, it'll be more worth the price you pay compared to new, IB versions