University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
ENGR 4760U
ETHICS, LAW AND PROFESSIONALISM FOR ENGINEERS
COURSE OUTLINE
2K10-I-01
Course Objectives
This course examines legal, social and ethical issues that Professional Engineers must face
during professional practice. Specific topics covered include legislation relating to engineering
projects (existing and proposed), ethical scenarios, protection of privacy rights, public wellbeing, computers and law enforcement, safety considerations and the role of the Professional
Engineer as governed by the Professional Engineer’s Act of Ontario.
Course Outcomes
The graduate of this course will understand the above and be in an excellent position to write the
Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO)’s Professional Practice Examination [PPE] in four years
time.
Prerequisites
The student must have all third year courses cleared.
Course Organization
Three lecture hours per week for one semester. All materials MUST be submitted on-line through
Web-CT. Deadlines for assignments will be followed exactly as stated and extensions will be
granted only via the deferred examination procedure method described below. The course will try
to follow the PEO’s PPE as closely as possible; all examinations are therefore closed book and
use of proper English grammar and vocabulary is mandatory. You may, of course, write the
examinations in French.
Required Course Texts and Other Materials
Title: Practical Law of Architecture, Engineering and Geoscience, Canadian Edition
Author: Samuels & Saunders
Publisher: Pearson
Edition: 2nd edition
ISBN-10 0-13-197623-0
Title: Professional Engineering and Geoscience: Practice and Ethics
Author: G Andrews
Publisher: Thompson & Nelson
ISBN 0-17-641594-7
Reference Books and Information Sources
Marston, D. Law for Professional Engineers: Fourth Edition McGraw-Hill
Geist, M Internet Law in Canada Captus Press 2000
Baura, G Engineering Ethics Academic Press 2005
You MUST pass the final examination to pass the course. . If you cannot write the midterm
and/or the final because of sickness, etc., then the following procedure must be followed:

Medical certificates MUST be sent DIRECTLY from the Doctor’s Office or Hospital within 5
working days by mail or preferably by fax (3370) to the Academic Advisor of FEAS.

A fee for the deferral must be paid by the student if the Medical certificate is valid and
arrives on time.

Failure to comply with the above will result in an F for the mid-term and/or the final exam.

The deferred exam may be oral.
Course Evaluation
InClass Quizleins
Problem Sets (at most 6)
Midterm Test
Mar 02 in class
Exam
Total
Detailed Course Content
 Introduction to the Engineering Profession
 Ethics
 Engineering Law
 Intellectual and Industrial Property
 Conflict Resolution
 Contract law
 Other Legal Issues for Professional Engineers
 Occupational Health and Safety
 Privacy Issues
 Legal Landmines on the Internet
 International Trade
 Environmental Laws and Regulations.
Computer Experience
None
Course Content Breakdown
Mathematics:
Basic Science:
Engineering Science:
Engineering Design:
Complementary Studies:
Total:
00%
00%
00%
00%
100%
100%
10%
20%
20%
50%
100%
Professor
-
Dr. M. Bennett, P.Eng, PMP
-
Mr. Gabriel Marin, M.Eng.
Teaching Assistant
Other Information
SOME IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION OF RELEVANCE TO THE COURSE
Academic Integrity and Conduct
UOIT is committed to the fundamental values of preserving academic integrity as defined in
UOIT policies and contained in the UOIT Calendar. Students should familiarize themselves with
UOIT’s policies and statements in this area. Acts of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism,
cheating, aiding others in cheating, and examination impersonation, will be dealt with severely as
they threaten the integrity of the academic system and are not acceptable. OF ALL THE UOIT
COURSES IN WHICH TO CHEAT, THIS IS THE WORST! NOT ONLY WILL YOU
RECEIVE A ZERO IN THE COURSE; YOU WILL BE REPORTED TO THE PEO ETHICS
COMMITTEE. AND…I will use your nefarious case study in this course for years to come!
UOIT and faculty members reserve the right to use electronic means to detect and help prevent
plagiarism. Students agree that by taking this course all assignments are subject to submission for
textual similarity review to Turnitin.com. Assignments submitted to Turnitin.com will be
included as source documents in Turnitin.com's restricted access database solely for the purpose
of detecting plagiarism in such documents for five academic years. The faculty member may
require students to submit their assignments electronically to Turnitin.com or the faculty member
may submit questionable text on behalf of a student. The terms that apply to UOIT's use of the
Turnitin.com service are described on the Turnitin.com website. (To read the entire policy, please
go to: http://www.uoit.ca/EN/main2/11246/13525/14057/14152/turnitin_policy.html.)
Accessibility
To insure that disability-related concerns are properly addressed during this course, students with
documented disabilities and who may require assistance to participate in this class are
encouraged to speak with their instructor as soon as possible. Students who suspect they may
have a disability that may effect their participation in this course are advised to go to the Centre
for Students with Disabilities (room B297) as soon as possible.
Approved by Associate Dean: Dr. J. Michael Bennett, PEng, PMP
Date: Jan 01, 2010