Print this page Ethical Issues in Forensic Engineering
J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A., Fellow ASCE, Fellow AEI
Course Outline
- INTRODUCTION
- WHAT IS FORENSIC ENGINEERING?
- FRAMING THE ETHICAL ISSUES
- SYSTEMS OF LAW
- LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR THINKERS
- MATERIALISM
- THE ETHICAL ISSUES
- THE ROAD FORWARD
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Learn what forensic engineers do;
- Learn how forensic engineering is an appendage of the legal system in the United States;
- Learn about systems of law in the world and why the common law in the United States is fertile ground for forensic engineers;
- Learn about the theories of psychology that can help in understanding the forensic engineering business; and
- Learn what professional engineers can do to reduce the threat from unprincipled forensic engineering practitioners.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for engineers, architects and other building design and construction professionals who want to learn about forensic engineering, the ethical issues that it raises, and an approach to defending against threats it may pose.
Benefit for Attendee
This course examines the social, legal and human factors that underpin the forensic engineering business
Course Introduction
This course will introduce you to the business enterprise of forensic engineering, the ethical issues it poses, the legal system in the United States of which it is a part, the theories of human psychology which help to explain the behavior of its practitioners, and an approach to neutralizing those who use forensic engineering and the legal system for inappropriate self-gain.
About Course Author
Paul Guyer is a registered mechanical engineer, civil engineer, fire protection engineer and architect with over 35 years experience in the design of buildings and related infrastructure. For an additional 9 years he was a senior-level advisor to the California Legislature on infrastructure and capital outlay issues. He has designed and supervised the design of hundreds of construction projects requiring the preparation of detailed working drawings and specifications for federal, state and local public agencies and private companies. He is a graduate of Stanford University and has held numerous national, state and local positions with the American Society of Civil Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
Ethical Issues in Forensic Engineering
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Course Summary
Upon completion of this course you will have a framework and suggested approach to neutralizing threats posed by practitioners of forensic engineering. You will be prepared to discuss this with your professional colleagues and perhaps cooperate in addressing the ethical issues involved in forensic engineering.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
