E 191 - Engineering Ethics (3 units)
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Historical, regional, and cultural perspectives on ethics. The ethics of issues associated with modern technology and the effect of technology on social, cultural, and economic systems. Environmental impact of engineering activities. The role of the engineer in controlling technology uses. Ethical and legal responsibilities of the engineering professional. Engineering codes of ethical conduct. Avoiding ethical conflicts in the workplace. |
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Upper division standing in an engineering or science discipline, or consent of instructor.
TEXTBOOK(S) AND/OR OTHER REQUIRED MATERIAL
Engineering, Ethics and the Environment, Vesilind and
Gunn, 1997
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Instill in students the understanding of engineering ethics.
DESIRED COURSE OUTCOMES
Students are expected to understand environmental,
social, political, ethical, health and safety,
and sustainability implications of the products
evolving from the design process.
These implications include their responsibilities
in their roles on multi-disciplinary teams,
their professional integrity, their need to
communicate in a fair and unbiased manner,
the global and societal impact of their work,
and the ethical aspects of contemporary issues
relevant to their profession.
TOPICS COVERED
Historical perspectives of ethics and moral reasoning,
regional and cultural differences in ethical
standards, engineering and environmental ethics,
engineering and societal ethics, ethics in the
modern technological world, the role of technology
in society, engineering society codes of conduct,
the role of the engineer in maintaining ethical standards,
the legal ramifications of ethical responsibilities,
professional ethical responsibilities, and the
identification of employers with high ethical standards.
CLASS/LABORATORY SCHEDULE
Three hours of lecture and one discussion section per week.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE TO MEETING THE PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT
The environmental, social, political, ethical,
health and safety, and sustainability
impact of engineering work is covered in this course.
Future engineers learn about their responsibilities
in their roles on multi-disciplinary teams,
their professional integrity, their need
to communicate in a fair and unbiased manner,
the global and societal impact of their work,
and the ethical aspects of contemporary issues
relevant to their profession.
The legal implications of whistle blowing are outlined.
RELATIONSHIP OF THE COURSE TO ABET PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Recognize the broad economic, environmental and
social context, both historical and contemporary,
within which engineering is practiced.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS TOWARD COURSE
OBJECTIVES
Series of writing assignments, participation in class discussions.
PERSON(S) WHO PREPARED THIS DESCRIPTION:
Kent S. Udell, Professor
