MTEC.3530 Forensic Engineering (Formerly 15/23.353)

Description

This course is a survey of forensic engineering with particular emphasis on using engineering science and technology to investigate and reconstruct failures of engineered systems. Topics include qualifications of the forensic engineer, the scientific method, failure hypotheses, levels of confidence, physical evidence, field investigation techniques, examination and testing, codes and standards, and personnel safety. Other topics include ethics, the hired gun, junk science, the legal process, introduction to expert witness testimony, trial exhibits, Frye and Daubert decisions, bias, forensic engineering practice, and engineering reports.

Course prerequisites/corequisites are determined by the faculty and approved by the curriculum committees. Students are required to fulfill these requirements prior to enrollment. For courses offered through online or GPS delivery, students are responsible for confirming with the instructor or department that all enrollment requirements have been satisfied before registering.