Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ethics-in-engineering
### Course Review and Recommendation: Ethics in Engineering on Coursera As our world grows increasingly complex, the need for ethical considerations in engineering becomes ever more critical. The **Ethics in Engineering** course on Coursera provides an unparalleled opportunity to delve into this crucial topic through an engaging and insightful format. #### Course Overview This four-week course is expertly facilitated by Dr. Chesney, who guides learners through various important case studies that exemplify ethical dilemmas in engineering. Each week, students explore distinct disasters that serve as significant lessons in the field. By analyzing these historical incidents, participants gain a deeper understanding of the ethical implications and decision-making processes in engineering. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Week 1: Introduction and Overview** - The course kicks off with introductions, allowing participants to connect with fellow students and Dr. Chesney. This week sets the stage for rich discussions and establishes the framework for understanding engineering ethics. 2. **Week 2: The DIA Baggage Handling Catastrophe** - Students are introduced to the Denver International Airport’s baggage handling system failure. This case study emphasizes the importance of design considerations and the impact of planning and execution on operational outcomes. Through video lectures and foundational literature, learners will dissect what went wrong and the ethical questions that arose from this disaster. 3. **Week 3: The Therac 25 Radiation Machine Malfunction** - This week focuses on the Therac 25, a radiation therapy machine that malfunctioned, leading to severe consequences for patients. Participants will analyze the technical flaws and lapses in ethical judgment that contributed to this tragic incident, reinforcing the need for vigilance and responsibility in engineering practices. 4. **Week 4: The Ariane 5 Rocket Launch Disaster** - The final case study examines the Ariane 5 rocket launch failure, highlighting the intersection of software engineering and ethical accountability. Through discussions and analyses, students will understand how a seemingly minor oversight led to catastrophic results and the valuable lessons learned in risk management and ethical responsibility. #### Learning Experience The course offers a blend of video lectures, literature analysis, and discussion opportunities, ensuring an interactive and enriching educational experience. The unique case studies provide context and depth to the discussions, enabling students to engage critically with the material. Participants will also appreciate the forum for discourse, where sharing perspectives and insights enhances the understanding of engineering ethics in real-world applications. Each case study is not just a recounting of events; it serves as a springboard for examining the broader implications of ethical decision-making in engineering. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the **Ethics in Engineering** course for anyone interested in understanding the profound implications that ethical considerations have in the engineering profession. Whether you’re a student, a practicing engineer, or someone interested in the field, this course will provide valuable insights into how ethical failures can lead to disasters and how to avoid such pitfalls in the future. The combination of historical case studies with a structured learning approach makes this course not just educational, but also pivotal in shaping how we think about responsibility and ethics in engineering. It’s a course that encourages you to be proactive in your understanding and application of ethical practices, making it a must-take for anyone passionate about creating a better, safer world through engineering. Visit Coursera today to enroll in this essential course!
Week 1
Welcome to the Ethics in Engineering Course! Let’s get to know each other, meet Dr. Chesney, and get an overview of what we will learn.
Week 2Welcome to our second case study! We start with an introduction to the DIA baggage handling catastrophe so that we ground our understanding in facts.
Week 3Welcome to our third case study! We start with an introduction to the Therac 25 radiation machine malfunction so that we ground our understanding in facts.
Week 4Welcome to our fourth case study! We start with an introduction to the Ariane 5 rocket launch disaster so that we ground our understanding in facts.
Explore unique case studies in engineering ethics. In this four-week course, you’ll examine different historical case studies and understand how they led to classic engineering failures. Though each case is unique and has a distinct context, they all share common themes; a backstory, a disastrous event, a post-event with ramifications, and outcomes. For each case, you’ll watch and hear video lectures and explore foundational literature. You’ll also have the opportunity to discuss the case in d
The course was very informative and practical, thank you University of Michigan for providing this course.
This course is very informative, unique and amazing