Marshall University

College of Information Technology and Engineering

 

EM 694 – Engineering Law

 

Course Syllabus

Spring, 2004

 

 

 

 

Course Description

 

            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; intellectual property law; construction law; real property; and related topics.  Applicable policy and ethical issues will be addressed throughout the course.

 

Learning Outcomes

 

            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.

 

Text

 

            Bockrath, Contracts and the Legal Environment for Engineers & Architects, 6th Ed., McGraw-Hill, 2000.

 

Instructor

 

            Betsy Ennis Dulin, Esq., P.E.

            Dean and Professor of Engineering

            Marshall University College of Information Technology and Engineering

            (304)746-2087

            bdulin@marshall.edu

 

Course Grading

 

            Quizzes (2)                                           75%

            Report                                                   25%

                                                                        100%

 

            In addition, weekly reading assignments are an important part of the course and their completion is critical for a thorough understanding of course material, lectures, and discussions. 

           


 

 

 Course Policies/Procedures

 

Betsy Ennis Dulin, J.D., P.E.

Marshall University

College of Information Technology and Engineering

 

 

1.                  Course Grading

 

In general, grades will be based on all examinations, homework, and other assignments, according to the course syllabus.

 

Letter grades will be determined on 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. 

 

2.                  Homework

 

Frequency of homework assignments is dependent on 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 and/or quizzes will be given to those students who present, prior to the date of the examination, an explanation of 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, or being in the possession of forbidden materials during examinations or quizzes.

 

5.                  Attendance Policy

 

Unless specified for a particular course or class meeting, class attendance is not mandatory.  However, quizzes and examinations will rely heavily on material covered during class, so students are encouraged to communicate with the instructor and/or other class members in case of absence.  Notwithstanding the above, excessive unexplained absences may have an impact on the final grade.  In addition, excessive absences by significant numbers of class members may result in the adoption of an attendance policy during the course of the semester.