College of
Information Technology and Engineering
EM 694 –
Engineering Law
Course
Syllabus
Spring, 2001
The course will introduce students to common legal issues associated with the practice of engineering and related technical fields. Topics covered will include an introduction to applicable administrative, legislative and judicial structures; the formation, interpretation, performance, and termination of contracts; tort liability (including professional malpractice and products liability); intellectual property laws (copyrights, patents, etc.); principles of construction law, employment law, and property law. Applicable policy and ethical issues will be addressed throughout the course.
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to identify legal issues associated with typical fact scenarios in the fields of engineering and technology. Students should have an understanding of governmental bodies and procedures that affect technical professionals, and should demonstrate the ability to apply basic legal principles to frequently encountered situations.
Vaughn, Legal Aspects of Engineering, 6th ed., Kendall/Hunt Publishing., 1999.
Betsy Ennis Dulin, Esq., P.E.
Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Engineering
Marshall University CITE
(304)746-2087
Course Grading
Quizzes (2) 75%
Report 25%
100%
The quizzes will be open-book and may include both multiple choice and short-answer questions. The report will require students to research and apply legal principles to a hypothetical fact pattern.
Course Policies/Procedures
Betsy Ennis Dulin, J.D.,
P.E.
Marshall University CITE
1.
Course Grading
In general, grades will be based on all examinations, homework, and other assignments, according to the course description sheet.
Letter grades will be determined by a standard 10% differential scale. However, adjustments may be made to the scale, as well as to test results, according to individual and collective class performance. Individual upward grade adjustments may be made based on meaningful classroom participation.
2. Homework
Frequency of homework assignments is dependent upon class content and type. Unless the instructor is notified in advance of any potential problems or conflicts, late homework may receive a grade deduction.
3. Makeup Exams
Makeup exams will be given to those students who present, prior to the date of the examination, a satisfactory excuse to explain the absence.
4.
Cheating
Cheating on any assignment or examination will result in failure of the course. Cheating is defined to include copying from other students, helping others on a test or quiz, and being in the possession of forbidden materials during examinations.
5. Attendance Policy
Unless specified for a particular course or class meeting, class attendance is not mandatory. However, each student is strongly urged to attend each class meeting, since all quizzes and examinations will rely heavily on material covered during class. In addition, excessive unexplained absence may have an impact on the final grade. Finally, excessive absences by class members may result in the adoption of an attendance policy during the course of the semester.