Analysis of Professional Ethics in Engineering Undergraduate Degrees

The role of engineering is closely related to its role in society. An Industrial Engineer use to be involved in supervising the work of a team; in negotiations; and always may have special responsibilities to ensure that work is safe, and that work do not damage the environment. We have analyzed the specific case of ethics in industrial engineering undergraduate degrees at the University of Salamanca (Spain). In recent years, the White Books of qualifications for undergraduate degrees of the industrial branches, possesses a mention to deliver an optional subject related to ethics and the acquisition of the competence of an ethical and moral responsibility. In the case of the University of Salamanca, this competence is not included as a subject in the definition of the industrial engineering degrees. Ethical responsibility is included in the same group of transversal competencies as teamwork or critical reasoning. We have conducted a survey about ethics to different engineering students to get their feedback about the importance of ethical behaviour, the ethics and professional responsibility, or the necessity of be part of an official College of Industrial Engineers (after finishing university studies).