Topic outline

  • Responsible Charge in the Era of Advanced Engineering Systems

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides an overview of how the professional duty of responsible charge applies when engineering work is performed with advanced and automated systems. 

    Engineering practice now runs on software, with analytical platforms, digital models, automated checking tools, and artificial intelligence sitting between the engineer and the result. These tools have widened what engineers can attempt and shortened the time it takes, but they have not changed the obligation that defines the licensed professional: the duty to exercise responsible charge over work that affects public health, safety, and welfare. 

    This course examines responsible charge as the working mechanism that keeps engineering decisions tied to identifiable, accountable professionals. It addresses professional judgment, the supervision of delegated and technology-assisted work, the difficulties created by opaque or "black-box" tools, the use of artificial intelligence, and the verification practices that let an engineer stand behind a result.

    Topics:

    By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

    • Explain the professional and ethical foundations of responsible charge
    • Describe how advanced engineering systems are changing engineering practice
    • Distinguish between technological assistance and professional engineering judgment
    • Identify the ethical concerns associated with black-box analytical systems
    • Explain an engineer’s responsibilities when supervising delegated engineering work
    • Apply verification and validation principles to technology-assisted engineering activities
    • Evaluate the opportunities and limitations associated with artificial intelligence in engineering
    • Describe methods for maintaining professional accountability within increasingly automated engineering environments

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
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    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 

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    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental, geotechnical, industrial, and multidisciplinary engineers. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE, and Jeelan Moghraby, PhD., MBA.

    • Topic 1