Ethics and Excellence: The Pursuit of Quality in Professional Practice (Timed and Monitored)

Course Outline

This course is designed to explore the intersection of ethical principles and the relentless pursuit of quality in engineering, architecture, and related professions. Drawing inspiration from Sir Ove Arup's seminal Key Speech and the ACEC's Professional and Ethical Conduct Guidelines, this course delves into how core values such as integrity, social responsibility, and a commitment to quality shape professional practice. Participants will examine the concept of "Total Architecture" and its emphasis on holistic and integrated design, as well as the ACEC’s guidelines that mandate the highest standards of professional behavior. The course covers critical topics, including upholding public safety, acting as faithful agents for clients, maintaining competence in practice areas, and issuing objective and truthful public statements. The course emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, the creation of a humane and inclusive organizational culture, and the role of professionals in contributing positively to society.

At the end of this course, there will be a multiple-choice, open-book quiz designed to enhance your understanding of the course material.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the student will: