Engineering Ethics and Professional Practice
EEB 400 addresses the multifaceted ethical and professional challenges inherent in modern electronics engineering. Students will delve into engineering codes of ethics, explore theoretical frameworks for ethical decision-making, and analyze real-world case studies involving product safety, intellectual property, data privacy, environmental impact, and global engineering practice. The course emphasizes practical application, equipping future engineers with robust tools for identifying, analyzing, and resolving ethical dilemmas, fostering responsible innovation, and upholding public trust. The curriculum integrates current industry trends, legal precedents, and societal expectations impacting electronics professionals. Through discussions, presentations, and project-based learning, students will develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills essential for ethical professional practice. This course prepares graduates not only to meet technical challenges but also to navigate complex social, legal, and ethical landscapes, ensuring their contributions to engineering are both innovative and principled.
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
**Course Objectives:** Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: (1) Apply ethical theories and professional codes to analyze complex engineering scenarios; (2) Identify and articulate professional responsibilities and obligations in electronics engineering, including public safety, intellectual property, and environmental stewardship; (3) Develop structured approaches to ethical decision-making in diverse technical and societal contexts; (4) Communicate ethical analyses effectively, both orally and in writing; (5) Understand the legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to engineering practice; (6) Critically evaluate the societal impact of advanced electronics technologies. **Topics by Week:** Week 1: Introduction to Engineering Ethics & Professionalism Week 2: Ethical Theories & Decision Models Week 3: IEEE Code of Ethics & Professional Practice Week 4: Product Liability, Safety, and Risk Assessment Week 5: Intellectual Property, Patents, and Copyrights Week 6: Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, and AI Ethics Week 7: Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Engineering Week 8: Midterm exam Week 9: Whistleblowing, Conflicts of Interest, and Corporate Responsibility Week 10: Global Engineering, Cultural Differences, and Human Rights Week 11: Professional Licensing, Regulations, and Lifelong Learning Week 12: Bias in Design, Accessibility, and Social Justice Week 13: Case Studies in Electronics Engineering Ethics Week 14: Final project **Grading Policy:** Midterm Exam: 25% Class Participation & Discussion: 20% Case Study Analyses (2): 30% (15% each) Final Project: 25%