Ethics Flashcards
Engineering is considered BLANK rather than an occupation
profession
What special characteristics make engineering a profession?
knowledge, privileges and responsibilities
What contains the ethical principles engineers are governed by?
code of ethics
Name one notable code of ethics.
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Rules of Professional Conduct
OR
Model Rules, Section 240
What are the three major sections of the Model Rules?
- Licensee’s Obligation to the Public
- Licensee’s Obligation to Employers and Clients
- Licensee’s Obligation to Other Licensees
What are two types of ethical issues when adopting a code of ethics?
- Conceptual issues
- Factual issues
What are conceptual issues?
When terms/definitions in the code are unclear (ex. “valuable consideration,” “adequate knowledge,” etc.
What are factual issues?
When decisions must be made using disputed or incomplete information.
What are examples of tradeoffs in engineering ethics?
Safety vs economics
Risk vs benefit
What is an engineer’s first and foremost responsibility?
Safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public when working with employers/clients.
When should a licensee sign and seal plans, surveys, etc.?
Only when they conform to accepted standards and safeguard the public.
What should you do if public safety is endangered based on your judgement?
Notify employer/client and any relevant authorities.
How should you present information in professional documents?
Objectively, truthfully, and completely
When are you allowed to express your professional opinion publicly?
When it is based on adequate knowledge of the facts with a competent evaluation.
What should you do if you are giving a statemen on behalf of an interested party?
Identify the interested party and the interest they have.
What is the obligation of a licensee if they are aware of a violation in engineering/surveying.
Report to relevant authorities and cooperate with investigation.
When can licensees take assignments?
Only when they have proper education or experience in the technical field at hand.
When can licensees accept responsibility for coordinating an entire project?
When each technical part is signed and sealed by whoever is responsible for that part.
Can licensees accept gratuities from contractors in connection with their work?
No, directly or indirectly
Can licensees accept compensation from more than one party for the same project?
Yes, only if it is disclosed, agreed upon, and documented between all parties.
Can licensees offer or receive gifts to secure work?
No
What are the five requirements to be eligible for licensure as a PE?
- Good character and reputation
- Meet education criteria
- Meet experience criteria
- Pass exams
- Have five acceptable references
How do you qualify as an Engineer Intern?
- Graduate in engineering from a four year accredited school
- Pass the FE
Describe the experience requirements to become a PE.
- Bachelor’s + FE exam + 4 years experience
- Master’s + + FE exam + 3 years experience
3 PhD + FE exam + 2 years experience - PHD + no FE exam + 4 years experience
What is licensure by comity for PEs?
If you’re licensed in one state / area, you can be endorsed to be licensed in another state / area without having to fully reapply.
What are the four types of intellectual property
- Patents
- Copyrights
- Trademarks
- Trade Secrets
What is a patent?
Property rights of an inventor over their invention.
Who issues patents?
US Patent and Trademark Office
How long does a patent last (typically)?
20 years
What are the three types of patents?
- Utility patent
- Design patent
- Plant patent
What is a utility patent?
A patent for any new and useful process, machine, manufacturing article, or improvement of an existing manufacturing article.
What is a design patent?
A patent for a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacturing.
What is a plant patent?
A patent for the creation of a new and asexually reproduced plant.
What is a trademark?
Media used indicate source of a good and distinguish the goods from others.
What are media that can be trademarks?
Words, names, symbols, devices
What is a copyright?
Protection to authors of “original works of authorship.”
What does a copyright do?
Allow authors to reproduce work, make derivative work, distribute copies of the work, perform the work, or display it publicly.
What is a trade secret?
A formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, or process used in business to gain an economic advantage
over competitors who do not know or use it.
What things should be considered for sustainable projects?
- Safety
- Public health
- Quality of life
- Resource allocation
- Non-renewable resources
What is a Lifecycle Analysis?
A complete assessment of the environmental impact of a project or product from start (design) to finish (disposal). “cradle to grave”
What environmental topics must engineers address?
- landscape aesthetics
- Protection of ecosystems
- Resource conservation
- Air and water pollution
- Atmospheric emissions
- Collection and processing of waste
