This ethics course offers an exploration of the intricate relationship between engineering and national security, with a strong focus on ethical considerations. It covers topics such as the definition of national security, engineering's role in this domain, historical perspectives, and various ethical challenges engineers face in the context of national security. Key sections include the role of engineering in national security, dual-use technologies, autonomous weapons, privacy concerns and surveillance, and the environmental impact of engineering activities. The course also delves into intellectual property issues, various case studies, legal and regulatory frameworks, and international treaties, all within the context of engineering ethics and national security. Skills Gained:

• Understanding of National Security Concepts: Enhanced knowledge of national security and its intersection with engineering.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Improved ability to navigate ethical dilemmas in engineering, particularly in areas impacting national security.
• Critical Analysis: Skills in critically analyzing case studies and real-world scenarios where engineering intersects with security issues.
• Awareness of Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Familiarity with legal and international treaties influencing engineering in the context of national security.
• Identification of Dual-Use Technologies: Ability to recognize and ethically manage technologies that have both civilian and military applications.

Intended Audience: This course is general in nature, and would apply as suitable continuing education for all engineering professionals whose job description may require a generalized knowledge of engineering ethics as they apply to matters of national security.

Learning Objectives

At the successful conclusion of this course, you’ll be able to identify and discuss:

• National Security and Engineering: Exploring the relationship between engineering and national security, including the essence and key elements of national security.
• Engineering's Role in National Security: Discussing defense technology, critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, disaster management and response, and environmental sustainability.
• Historical Perspectives: Examining the evolution of engineering's role in national security from ancient warfare to the information age.
• Ethical Challenges in Engineering for National Security: Focusing on dual-use technologies, autonomous weapons, privacy concerns and surveillance, environmental impact, and intellectual property issues.
• Case Studies: Delving into practical scenarios like drone technology and targeted killings, cybersecurity and data breaches, biotechnology and biological warfare, and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
• Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Discussing the importance of international agreements and treaties, national laws and regulations, and their impact on ethical engineering practices in national security.