Introducing Ethics Case Studies into Required Undergraduate Engineering Courses

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To exercise leadership, engineering educators need to provide their students with the tools to identify and respond appropriately to engineering problems with ethical dimensions. This pilot study will test an approach for introducing ethical decision problems into required undergraduate engineering courses. The study has a dual purpose: to develop and test a case study approach to sensitizing engineering students to the ethical issues involved in their engineering decision making, and to provide them with conceptual tools for thinking about these problems in a clear and responsible manner. These goals will be achieved by collecting and cataloging relevant case studies which include both technical and ethical issues. These cases will provide the basis for the development of aproximately 10 modules that will be integrated into the syllabi of selected required engineering courses. The case will transcend traditional departmental disciplinary lines and will cover such topics as environmental impact, product quality, safety and structural design. They will be tested om selected classes in the Civil, Chemical, and Mechanical Engineering departments. The study will also develop a resources book of annotated and catalogued case studies complete with classroom use guidance material. The use of the material in classroom sessions, some of which will be recorded on videotape, will be evaluated by students and faculty, and by a carefully selected national advisory committee. Results will be widely reported at professional society meetings, particularly the annual meeting of the American Society of Engineering Education. This proposal focuses on an important area in Ethic and Values Studies. The team of investigators is very well qualified; the plan is thoughtful and feasible; university support is extremely good. Results are likely to improve the teaching of engineering ethics on this campus and in undergraduate curricula nationwide. Based on the merits of the proposal and the generally positive review, support is highly recommended.