PPE655 - Engineering Ethics and Professional Practice

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:46:44.294
Last review date 2023-12-04 00:15:09.168

Subject Title
Engineering Ethics and Professional Practice

Subject Description
This subject will provide students with a clear understanding of the application of Canadian law and professional ethics to their profession, and an awareness of the professional issues they will encounter in their practice. The course will prepare students to write OACETT's Professional Practice Examination.

Credit Status
One subject credit in all Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Electronic Engineering Technician and Civil Engineering Technology programs.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  1. Understand how the Canadian Legal System developed and operates.
 
  1. Describe the difference between Substantive Law and Procedural Law, Public Law and Private Law.
 
  1. Identify the important role and responsibility of the average Canadian citizen in the legal process.
 
  1. Recognize dispute resolution alternatives to litigation and how these may be important to the engineering profession in the future.
 
  1. Understand the complex area of tort law and their legal responsibility as professionals to clients, fellow professionals and to the public at large.
 
  1. Recognize the essential elements of a contract and those conditions which could render it unenforceable.
 
  1. Understand the methods of discharging a contract and the ramifications, as professionals, of breaching a contract.
 
  1. Exhibit an understanding of moral and ethical behaviour and recognize the types of issues that cause ethical dilemmas.
 
  1. Analyse the basis for ethical and moral theory in engineering and applied science professionalism, focussing on the core ethical dilemma which will confront them in their career “Do we act in the best interest of the individual, or do we act in the best interests of the common good of the majority?”
 
  1. Recognize through a series of steps, using the code of ethics as a starting point, the relevant issues present in an ethical dilemma and the need for critical analysis in arriving at a solution.
 
  1. Describe issues regarding employer-employee rights and obligations, and company loyalty and public responsibility conflicts which confront engineering professionals.
 
  1. Understand the competing social, economic, political and commercial interests regarding environmental issues which pit the good of the environment or an endangered species against the “greater good” of society and recognize that the position of engineering professionals in these dilemmas is uncertain, even with codes of ethics and interpretive guidelines.
 
  1. Describe the different types of business organizations the advantages and disadvantages of each.
 
  1. Understand the history, developments and status of engineering organizations in Ontario.
 
  1. Describe the characteristics of a profession, professional organizations and professional responsibility and liability.
 
  1. Recognize the significance of OACETT and the importance as professionals to take an active part in the association.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.