The aim of the module is to introduce students to the social context of engineering. This module will develop an awareness of the ethical and social dimensions of being an engineer. The focus is on the professional responsibilities of engineers and the social skills needed to practice engineering effectively. The module will also develop their research and communications skills.
This module will be deliver as a series of workshops (2 hours each) as described below. Occasional lectures will be given to cover particular topics as indicated. Brightspace will also support the module with extensive notes on the topics covered. This will include, for example, a briefing on climate change.
In conjunction with the library staff students will also be given an opportunity to visit the college library and be advised on effective use of its resources.
The first half of the module will focus on engineering ethics while the second will be more focused on sustainability in engineering. Students will be required to write a report on an ethical issue in engineering at the end of the first half, sample topics will include the ethics of new technologies such as self-driving cars and AI, safety and the use of military technology, and do a group presentation focused on sustainability and the issue of climate change at the end of the second half of the module;
Workshops will focus on the following topics:
- Introduction: What is engineering and what skills do engineers require? Engineering as a technical and social activity.
An introductory lecture focused on this topic will also be given
- The role of values in engineering and design; What are ethics?
- Engineering ethics and ethical reasoning: How do you make an ethical decision?
- The role of professional bodies and codes of ethics
- Writing effective reports and referencing them properly
- Peer review of essays: Prior to submission students will be asked to peer review the work of one of their colleagues before final submission
- Working in a group: students will be divided into groups of 5 for the purposes of completing a group project focused on sustainability and climate change.
- Sustainability and climate change: What is Sustainable Development?
At least one guest lecturer will be invited to address the students on the role of engineers in addressing climate change
- Sustainability and Design including Life Cycle Analysis
- Doing effective presentations using Powerpoint
- And 12 Presentations
Lectures and workshops
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |