Engineering Ethics Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is one primary reason for studying engineering ethics?

To protect public health and safety (correct)

To enhance teamwork skills in the workplace

To increase technical proficiency in engineering

To understand historical engineering practices

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the four main ethical theories in engineering ethics?

Economic ethics (correct)

Utilitarianism

Virtue ethics

Duty ethics

What capability does studying ethics primarily aim to develop in engineers?

Moral autonomy and critical thinking (correct)

Technical specialization in a field

Adherence to industry standards

The ability to maximize profits

In professional ethics, which of the following relationships does it focus on?

Interactions between corporations or organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is a key premise of ethical theories?

They define acceptable behavior Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of park funding comes from tax support?

60% Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated funding gap for infrastructure in the ports sector?

$12 billion Signup and view all the answers

How many acres of public park land are there approximately for every 1000 residents?

10 acres Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT suggested as a way to raise the grade for schools?

Encourage private investment Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many jobs do the nation’s coastal and inland ports support?

31 million jobs Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of total GDP is contributed by ports?

26% Signup and view all the answers

What major challenge is identified for smaller ports?

Limited funding for infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What is the current grade given to rail infrastructure?

B Signup and view all the answers

Vehicle miles traveled on poor roads has shown what trend?

An increase Signup and view all the answers

What is one proposed solution for improving access to public parks?

Eliminate park deserts Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of public schools lack a long-term facilities plan?

40% Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT mentioned as a need for raising the grade in transit systems?

Implementation of renewable energy buses Signup and view all the answers

How much municipal solid waste (MSW) did the US produce in 2018?

292 million tons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is identified as a major finding regarding stormwater?

Stormwater may adversely affect drinking water quality Signup and view all the answers

What is the average lifespan of wastewater treatment plants as designed?

40-50 years Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of school districts are reported to be in need of significant repairs?

53% Signup and view all the answers

Which idea is suggested to improve solid waste management?

Pass legislation limiting packaging Signup and view all the answers

What is the national average annual trash collection fee reported in 2019?

$55/ton Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested strategy for improving wastewater management?

Encourage research collaboration Signup and view all the answers

What is an emerging issue related to landfills as stated in the findings?

Emerging contaminants in legacy landfills Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of environmental engineering?

Understanding and controlling contaminants in air, water, and soil Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines sustainability in the context of environmental engineering?

Meeting current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs Signup and view all the answers

What type of issues might environmental engineering address?

Health issues related to water and air pollution Signup and view all the answers

Which two factors are emphasized in environmental engineering as they relate to public health?

Climate impacts and respiratory diseases Signup and view all the answers

What role does population growth play in environmental engineering?

It influences resource allocation and sustainability challenges Signup and view all the answers

What is a common unit used in environmental engineering for measuring concentration?

Milligrams per liter Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dimensions is NOT considered fundamental in environmental engineering?

Temperature Signup and view all the answers

How do environmental engineers approach complex problems?

By considering the interrelated nature of environmental issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of deaths per year attributed to air quality?

6.5 million Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an anthropogenic emission source of air pollution?

Forest fires Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutant is an example of a secondary pollutant?

O3 formed in the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is one major source of water-related diseases leading to annual deaths?

Contaminated drinking water Signup and view all the answers

Which primary pollutant is directly emitted from forest fires?

PM2.5 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the troposphere is true?

Temperature decreases with altitude. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a biogenic emission source?

Volcanoes Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of deaths related to air quality occur due to indoor sources?

Approximately 30-50% Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a temperature inversion in the troposphere?

It leads to a decrease in air quality and can trap pollutants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a nonpoint source of water pollution?

Agricultural runoff from fields Signup and view all the answers

What are some common physical parameters that are tested for in drinking water?

Absorbance and turbidity Signup and view all the answers

How does population growth affect drinking water access?

It increases the demand for clean water resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary causes of illness related to drinking water in developing nations?

Contamination from agricultural runoff Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is responsible for decreasing air pollution levels in the US?

Implementation of strict regulations Signup and view all the answers

What is the guideline value for the acceptable daily intake of arsenic in drinking water?

$0.525 mg/kg-day Signup and view all the answers

Which component of air pollution is classified as a primary pollutant?

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of climate change on drinking water resources?

Altered precipitation patterns Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant source of indoor air pollution?

Combustion emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of screening in a municipal drinking water treatment process?

To remove suspended solids and debris Signup and view all the answers

What role does the stratosphere play in relation to UV radiation?

It absorbs UV radiation, protecting life on Earth. Signup and view all the answers

How do urban runoff components impact water quality?

They can introduce harmful contaminants. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

CE UY 1002 Final Exam Review - Fall 2024

This review covers the course Introduction to Civil Engineering.
The final exam is scheduled for Fall 2024.

Topic 1: Civil Engineering Sub-Disciplines

Engineering: The creative application of science, mathematical methods, and empirical evidence to the innovation, design, construction, and maintenance of structures, machines, materials, devices, systems, processes, and organizations. Engineers use math and science principles to solve problems and design things. It involves the optimal conversion of natural resources for human use.
Civil Engineering: The art and science of designing the infrastructure of a modern civilized society. This includes roads, bridges, mass transportation, airports, ports, waterways, water supply, waste treatment, energy supply, and communications.
Civil Engineering Sub-Disciplines:
- Environmental Engineering (Water/Wastewater treatment, air pollution, alt. energy, etc.)
- Water Resources Engineering (Water supply systems, drainage, flood control, etc.)
- Structural Engineering (Buildings, bridges, dams, towers)
- Transportation Engineering (Highways, railways, airports, parking, etc.)
- Geotechnical Engineering (Foundations, slope stability, site remediation)
- Construction Engineering & Management (Design management, cost control, scheduling)
- Urban Systems/Informatics (Big data, internet of things, interdisciplinary urban problems)

Topic 2: Effective Teams

Good Team Characteristics:
- Commitment
- Flexibility
- Engagement
- Reliability/responsibility
- Active listening
- Open communication
- Willing helpers
- Respectful
- Problem solvers
- Recognition of own shortcomings
Bad Team Characteristics:
- Floundering
- Overbearing participants
- Dominating participants
- Reluctant participants
- Unquestioned acceptance of opinions as facts
- Rush to accomplishment
- Attribution
- Discounts and 'plops'
- Wanderlust
- Feuding team members

Topic 3: Greatest Civil Engineering Challenges of the Future

Overall: Addresses challenges affecting multiple civil engineering sub-disciplines.
Specific Challenges:
- Economics
- Sustainability
- Population growth
- Climate change
- Cybersecurity
- Labor force constraints
- Natural disasters
- PFAS remediation
- Maintenance

Topic 4: Professional Licensure (PE)

NCEES: National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, organization for regulating engineers.
PE: Professional Engineer license, which signifies knowledge and trustworthiness.
Why become a PE?
- Gain societal trust
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Often greater compensation
NCEES Model Law: The Model Law sets forth broad ideas on the regulation of engineering and surveying license.
ABET: Accreditation commission for engineering programs, ensuring program quality.
FE Exam: Fundamentals of Engineering, computer-based test covering general engineering concepts, including civil-related ones.
PE Exam: Principles and Practice of Engineering, covering practical application of engineering principles.
Requirements:
- Education (ABET Accreditation or NCEES Standards)
- Experience
- Exam (FE, then PE)

Topic 5: Engineering Ethics

Importance of studying engineering ethics
Importance in protecting public safety and health
Four major ethical theories
- Utilitarianism
- Duty ethics
- Rights ethics
- Virtue ethics
NSPE Code of Ethics: Preamble, Fundamental canons, Rules of practice, Professional obligations

Topic 6: ASCE Report Card

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): An organization that assesses infrastructure every four years.
Infrastructure Categories: Aviation (D+), Bridges(C-), Broadband(No Grade), Dams(D),Drinking Water(C-), Energy, Hazardous Waste (D+), Inland Waterways (D+), Levees(D), Public Parks(D+), Ports (D-), Rail(B), Roads(D), Schools(D+), Solid Waste (D+), Stormwater(D), Transit (D-), Wastewater(D+).
- Significant deficiencies noted across many areas.

Topic 7: Engineering Problem Solving

Five-Step Problem Solving Method:
- Identify the Problem
- Make a Sketch
- Select Relevant Theory/Assumptions
- Solve the Problem
- Check your answer

Topic 8: Lab Topics

AutoCAD: Review class notes and assignments; Review commands and techniques.
GIS and Surveying: Review class notes and assignments; Review definitions and terms.

Topic 9: Introduction to Environmental Engineering

This course focuses on sustainability, environmental health from air, water, and soil.
The study of sources, fate, transport, and control of environmental concerns.
Environmental problems are complex and interrelated, meaning multiple issues must be evaluated at once.
Important units of environmental engineering include density, flow rate, and concentration.
Fundamental and derived units, SI and USCS systems

Topic 10: Conservation of Mass

The conservation of mass equation: In a closed system Inputs = Outputs

Topic 11: Drinking Water

Quality of drinking water over the history of mankind
Hydrologic cycle
Availability
Usage
Risks like contamination/pathogens/chemicals
Waterborne, Water privation, Water contact, Water insect diseases
Connections to wastewater treatment

Topic 12: Air Pollution

Components of our air pollution problem: sources, atmospheric conditions, receptors.
Emphasis on sources: anthropogenic vs biogenic, primary vs secondary; air mixing.
Atmospheric conditions: troposphere (0-20 km) and stratosphere (20-50 km).
Particular case study: London smog of 1952.
Types of air pollutants: Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Particulate Matter (PM).
Global Trends and US Trends (US has seen decreases recently)

General Information

Homework: Some of the homework may require outside class research and cite your sources.
Final Exam: There will be 50 short-answer questions mostly multiple choice, 20 from lecture, 15 from AutoCAD, and 15 related to GIS/Survey projects. No books/notes allowed. Printed copy of supplemental engineering info provided on Day 1 (no handwritten notes on the exam pages allowed)

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers essential concepts and theories related to engineering ethics. It addresses the importance of ethics in engineering and various relationships professionals must navigate. Test your understanding of the foundational ethical theories that guide engineers in their practices.