PD22: Professionalism and Ethics in Engineering Practice

PD22: Professionalism and Ethics in Engineering Practice helps students prepare for the Professional Practice Exam (PPE), a requirement for students who want to become professional engineers in the province of Ontario. The profession of engineering is defined by legal and ethical obligations, and engineers need to understand the regulations and principles governing their work to effectively serve the public. Students who take PD22 become acquainted with the philosophy, law, and contemporary issues underpinning engineering practice.

What do PD22 students do?

  • Work on practice case studies for the Professional Practice Exam for engineering students in Ontario
  • Examine ethical situations related to navigating conflicts of interest
  • Understand governance of engineering practice as laid out in the Professional Engineers Act and Ontario regulations

Student testimonials

  • "The material was interesting, and it was very clear how these skills would be applicable in the real world."
  • "This course was great as it helps me have a better understanding regarding professional engineering. I found the ethical concepts and analysis very interesting and could apply them to my work. Overall a very good course."

Course instructor

Douglas Wilhelm Harder

douglas wilhelm harder

Douglas is a lecturer and Computer Engineering academic advisor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He completed his undergraduate degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science at the University of Guelph, which was followed by a masters degree in mathematics at the University of Waterloo. During this time, he was a master corporal in the Canadian Reservers as an infanteer and intelligence operator. After graduation, he worked at Waterloo Maple for almost five years before assuming his role as a lecturer and advisor.

Contact information

You can reach the PD22 course team at pd22@uwaterloo.ca.