Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - ENSC 100W D100

Engineering, Science and Society (3)

Class Number: 4591

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Michael Sjoerdsma
    mhs@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-7267

  • Corequisites:

    ENSC 105W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

We study the history of engineering, its changing relationship to the sciences, and its effects upon society. We cover the ethical and environmental implications of engineering choices. We briefly explore the fundamental concepts in artificial intelligence, information theory, and thermodynamics. Students in the course will work together in small teams to complete a practical engineering design project. Students with credit for ENSC 100, CMPT 106, ENSC 106, or MSE 102 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Hum/Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

During the semester, we will cover the following topics:

  • History of engineering
  • Current state of engineering
  • Future of engineering
  • Ethical issues associated with engineering
  • Modelling Engineering and the environment
  • Information theory Chaos and complexity
  • Group dynamics Systems theory
  • Engineering management
  • Engineering design
  • Graphical communication

ENSC 100 (Engineering, Technology, and Society) is co-requisite with ENSC 105W. ENSC 100 shares teaching assistants, design labs, and some assignments with ENSC 105. ENSC 105W provides support for the written and oral assignments undertaken for ENSC 100. ENSC 105W also provides a general orientation to university and to the School of Engineering Science.

Grading

  • Two in-class quizzes (12% each) 24%
  • Fuzzy Cognitive Map Exercise 1%
  • Project (completed in groups with your classmates in your design labs) 20%
  • Participation (design labs and in class) 15%
  • Persuasive Research Paper 40%
  • Canvas Online Research Journal Two in-class quizzes (12% each) Pass/Fail%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Jones, J. 2011. The Betterment of the Human Condition, second edition. Pearson Learning Solutions. Copies are available for purchase at the SFU Bookstore. A few copies are available for loan at the SFU library.  


The course textbook for ENSC 105W will help you with the communications portion of ENSC 100. This textbook is required for ENSC 105W. If you are only registered in ENSC 100, I recommend that you also consult Stevenson, S. and S. Whitmore. 2002. Strategies for Engineering Communication. John Wiley and Sons.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS