Introduction to Engineering Course Overview

The region situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known for its early engineering achievements, such as the development of wheeled carts, canals, temples, and city walls.

An ancient code of law dating back to 1750 BCE, outlining responsibilities and penalties for builders, demonstrating the importance of engineering standards in early civilizations.

A device used for navigation and astronomical observations. It was developed in Ancient Mesopotamia, and its use continued through the Renaissance.

A punishment for builders who construct faulty houses, including the death penalty or a requirement to rebuild the house at their own expense.

The Code of Hammurabi outlines specific legal consequences for builders who fail to construct sound structures in ancient Mesopotamia, demonstrating their emphasis on quality control and accountability.

A device or machine that uses mechanical power to perform a task, particularly in war, often incorporating complex and ingenious designs.

The application of scientific knowledge and principles to create, design, and build structures, machines, and systems to solve problems and meet human needs.

The period in history characterized by significant advancements in technology, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and energy production.

An engineering solution for generating electricity from the flow of water through damns and turbines, a key development in the Industrial Revolution.

A type of power generation that uses nuclear reactions to produce energy, a substantial advancement in the 20th century.

A device used for storing and processing information, marked by significant advancements in the 20th century.

A small semiconductor device that amplifies or switches electronic signals, revolutionizing electronics in the 20th century.

A complex circuit containing many transistors and other components on a single integrated chip, enabling massive miniaturization and increased computational power.

The first known aqueduct, built in 690 BC, demonstrating early advancements in water management and infrastructure.

A complex system of canals, aqueducts, and other water works, spanning 150 km, showcasing advanced water engineering in ancient Mesopotamia.

A type of battery believed to have been used for electroplating, discovered in Mesopotamia and dating back to 250 BC.

A large structure built with stone, such as pyramids, showcasing expertise in construction and design among Egyptians.

The first pyramid, built around 2980 BC in Sakkara, Egypt, marking a major milestone in Egyptian architecture and engineering.

A type of pyramid built by King Zoser, consisting of six mastabas stacked on top of each other, requiring enormous labor and time.

A type of bridge constructed in Ancient India, using ropes or chains to support the structure, demonstrating ingenuity in bridge design.

A structure designed to guide ships into harbors and warn of potential dangers, the first of which was built by Greeks around 280 BC.

A consistent deviation from the true value in repeated measurements.

Caused by environmental factors influencing measurements.

Arises from imperfections in instruments.

Caused by the observer's habits or techniques.

Small variations in measurements that occur randomly.

The ability to repeat measurements with similar results.

How close a measurement is to the true value.

A non-random, systematic error that consistently shifts measurements in a particular direction.

Energy stored within an object due to its position, often caused by gravity. The higher an object is, the more potential energy it possesses.

The energy an object possesses due to its motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

The total energy possessed by an object, encompassing both its potential energy (due to position) and kinetic energy (due to motion).

The energy associated with the random movement of particles within a substance. The hotter the object, the more thermal energy it possesses.

Energy stored within the chemical bonds of molecules. When these bonds break, energy is released.

Energy associated with the movement of electrically charged particles, such as electrons in wires.

A type of energy that originates from changes within the nucleus of an atom, either through fission (splitting) or fusion (combining).

Energy resources that cannot be replenished at the same rate at which they are consumed, including fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal. These resources formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient organisms.

Engineers should always work with the best interests of the public and environment at the forefront of their decisions.

An engineer must only offer services in their area of expertise, meaning they should take on tasks where their skills and knowledge are strong.

Engineers must prioritize their client's best interests, acting as faithful agents in all matters while maintaining confidentiality and disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.

This responsibility includes: staying updated, advancing the field of engineering, supporting the growth of junior engineers, and upholding the profession's reputation.

These are essential principles to uphold: Equity, fairness, courtesy, goodwill, accepting professional criticism, recognizing rights.

Engineers are obligated to clearly articulate the potential consequences of their decisions, even if these decisions conflict with client or employer desires.

It's vital for engineers to report illegal or unethical practices within their field, whether committed by individuals or organizations. This responsibility often falls to professional associations.

Engineers must recognize and inform clients, employers, and the public about the potential societal and environmental impacts of their work.

Professional engineering must be governed by principles of fairness, treating everyone equitably and striving to foster a more just and equitable environment.

Creating a positive workplace environment is crucial for fostering collaboration and professionalism is important for both experienced professionals and students.

A code of ethics helps guide professionals through ethical dilemmas. When disagreements arise, it's best resolved through direct and respectful communication.

Blowing the whistle, reporting concerns when all other internal avenues have been exhausted, is a crucial safeguard for the public, often mediated by professional associations.

Enforcement activities are necessary to protect the public and ensure proper professional conduct, particularly when dealing with licensed or unlicensed individuals.

Conflict of interest and breach of standards are common professional complaints involving ethical shortcomings.

The act of signing and sealing a legal document is considered an official endorsement of the engineer's work, verifying its completion and accuracy.

The ceremony of the Iron Ring is a traditional ritual that symbolizes the high standards and responsibilities of the engineering profession, and the importance of ethical conduct.