The engineering profession in Australia aims to facilitate its practice for the common good based on values of ethical behaviour, competent performance, innovative practice, engineering excellence, equality of opportunity, social justice and sustainable development.

This course integrates values at a senior level so that on successful completion the student will be able to demonstrate a professional competency embracing all these values with a specific focus on ethical behaviour and a sustainability ethic. Students will be able to demonstrate their ability both orally and in writing, individually and in group situations.

The course teaches engineering ethics appropriate to contemporary Western commercial, political and social contexts of engineering practice. It provides the framework within which social understanding and responsible behaviours are conveyed to future professional engineers. It also examines the ethical implications of contemporary technology in its full technical and organizational complexity.

The course meets Engineering Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (Section 3.1) - Ethical conduct and professional accountability where the professional engineer is to demonstrate commitment to ethics, understand the need for accountability, ‘due-diligence’ and an awareness of intellectual rights.