How do engineers respond to the needs of the society? Do engineers contribute to the well-being of the society? Does "Engineering" have an impact on the society (way people live and interact with each other and the environment?). For example, consider the impact of electricity and energy; prostheses, implants and their effect on quality and longevity of life; communications (WWW, fax, & e-mail vs. telephones) and other technological advances. Has engineering had an impact on the legal system of the society? How do ethics and patents affect the society? In fact, it is a little-understood reality that engineers, in some form of fashion, are often directly responsible for many "quality-of-life" decisions that have long term ramifications on our society. Therefore, it can be considered that cultural diversity, when it is defined in the broadest sense, is underpinned by the engineering mind-set since "the engineering establishment and tradition" creates the most pervasive influence on our society. It is vital that modern students become more aware of the role played by practicing engineers and applied scientists.

This course will focus on the roles(s) that engineers and applied scientists play in supporting the societal infrastructure of diverse populations resident in urban and rural environments. For example: renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. Case histories of engineering "structures" will be presented; the space shuttle, fuel-cells, heart pacemakers and others. The focus of the course will be on relating common (& not-so-common!) examples of engineering achievements to help students expand their perspectives regarding the increasingly scientific and technological mode of present culture.

Topic for Discussion:

Impact of Inventions on Society
Engineering Ethics
Man-Made Engineering Disasters
Engineering
Renewable Resources and the Environment
Fossil Fuels, Energy and Fuel Cells
Biotechnology
Engineering and Advanced Materials
Forensic Engineering


Course Evaluation Structure

Attendance and participation              15%
2 Oral presentation (power point)         20%
2 Individual Short Papers (3-5 pages)     15%
2 Group report        (5 to 10 pages)     15% (based on oral presentations)
4 Quizzes                                 15%
1 Final Exam                              20%

Group oral and report submission will be given a group grade (It is up to each group to see that each member carries his/her fair share of the work load!).  Papers are due at the beginning of the class (hard copy) and no late papers will be accepted. In order to receive credit you MUST be present for the oral presentation.


If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, we would urge you contact the staff in the Disabled Student Services office (DSS), 632-6748/TTY. DSS will review your concerns and determine, with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation of disability is confidential.



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Dr. Eihab Jaber

AGEP Postdoctoral Fellow
Materials Science and Engineering
#212 Engineering Building
State University of New York
Stony Brook, NY - 11794 2275.

Phone:  + 1 631 632 1578
Fax:       + 1 631 632 8052
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