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1.The ethics and legal aspects of professional engineering can often be subjective, and single clear-cut solutions should not be expected. In other words there are always two sides to every argument.

2.The distinction between ethics (society based) and morals (personally based) principles. We may be called upon to perform tasks as engineers that we are compelled to do, but object to morally.

3.Criminal law looks at absolute guilt, whereas civil courts look at proportion of responsibility. In civil court you may be found responsible for actions that you have not directly caused.

4.Engineers are assumed to be technically competent and are responsible for all technical decisions. Like surgeons, mistakes are of great concern.

3.2 THE PROFESSION OF ENGINEERING

3.2.1 DEFINITION OF ENGINEERING

Engineering is when an individual or group participates in an activity that involves technical skill, but also involves observing the effects to the general public.

Some elements worth discussing - an engineer must understand all of the scientific principles behind a technology. The engineer will understand the manipulation of these principles to provide function to members of the general public. Appreciating that the public is unaware of the technical and scientific details behind engineering, we must also endeavor to protect them from the results of our decisions.

In comparison we can think of the medical profession that must also use sciences such as physiology and pharmacology. Knowledge of these areas is used to benefit patients. One primary difference is that physicians are ultimately responsible to their patients, whereas engineers are responsible to the general public. A simple (naive) anecdote of this difference can be found is the over-prescription of antibiotics. Physicians are encouraged to overprescribe antibiotics to any patient who shows need to protect the patient. An engineer in the same situation would be encouraged to prescribe only as needed, to reduce the chance of breeding resistant forms of bacteria. To carry this example further, the physician is obliged to protect the patients privacy, but the engineer may disclose confidential information to protect the general public. There are also some important similarities between engineers and physicians. Both groups are self regulated by associations of their peers. These groups are legally recognized, and given certain limited powers to investigate and enforce legislation.

3.2.2 THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING

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3.2.2.1 - Associations and Titles

CCPE (Canadian Council of Professional Engineers) - The provincial engineering associations are all members of the CCPE. This allows the associations to also have voice at a federal level, and for international affairs.

P.Eng. (Professional Engineer) - The designation given to an engineer licenced by a professional association. A typical examples of usage might be ‘Joe Smith, P.Eng.’, ‘Joe Smith, B.A.Sc., P.Eng’, ‘Dr. Joe Smith, P.Eng.’, etc.

E.I.T. (Engineer In Training) - A temporary designation to describe an engineer who is registered with an engineering association, but not yet licenced. The engineer registered this way will receive limited access to the local chapters and the services of the PEO.

C.E.T. (Certified Engineering Technician) -

The Engineers Ring - This ring is not an official symbol, but is commonly worn by those engineers that graduated from Canadian universities. Those who wear the ring do so remembering that it is a reminder of the horrific results of poor work.

• an engineer will need to show that they have a degree from an accredited university or other equivalent criteria have been met.

3.2.2.2 - Technical

CEAB (Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board) - a national review panel that examines engineering programs for adequacy. If a student graduates from an accredited program their technical adequacy will be accepted by any of the provincial associations.

Technical Internship - Every engineer is obliged to practice for some time under the observation of a licenced professional engineer before they apply for a licence. Letters of recommendation are required to verify that the candidate has been exposed to the practice in general, and that they are of good character. At present the maximum period is between 2 to 4 years.

Academic Requirements Committee (ARC) - In some cases engineers have not come from an accredited engineering program. They apply to a technical assessment committee. They will examine the candidates background, and accept the candidate as adequate, or more frequently make further requests. These are often in the form of special examinations, review of theses, etc.

3.2.2.3 - The Professional Practice Examination (PPE)

• This exam will review both the ethics and law knowledge of the engineer.