MEC306 The Professional Responsibility of Engineers

Aims/Description: The aim of this course is to provide a graduate engineer with the means to answer the question 'Should we proceed (or continue with this engineering project?' Engineers use their skills to make a positive change to the world. The dilemma, however, is that what is good for some may not be so for others. What is a solution in one area, in one culture, in one industry could be a challenge and even a disaster in another. The Professional Responsibilities of the Engineer (PRE) module will guide graduate engineers to 'understand their ethical responsibilities' (ABET, 2000) as well as to 'understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context' (Kerkert 1999). In your degree, you have been trained to be technically able, curious, creative and ambitious professionals. In this module, we prepare you to enter a complex world, where every decision, every action can and will bring about change. Will it be the right change? This module gives you the means to answer that question. During this course you will be equipped with the frameworks and tools to help you reach the best morally justifiable decisions. In order to assist you in identifying as many of the courses of action as possible, you will be asked to identify an engineering dilemma, present reasons for and against the issue, then share your view points with the public. By sharing you will be exposed to other ideas and feedback that will inform your final decision.

Restrictions on availability: Restricted to students registered for programmes of study within the Faculty of Engineering

Staff Contact: SMITH PATRICK J

Teaching Methods: Lectures, Seminars, Independent Study

Assessment: Course work

Notes: Part of the Accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Information on the department responsible for this unit (Mechanical Engineering):

Departmental Home Page

Teaching timetable

NOTE The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

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Teaching methods and assessment displayed on this page are indicative for 2021-22. Students will be informed by the academic department of any changes made necessary by the ongoing pandemic.