Rationale for standardized curriculum and professional certification in ecological engineering

Abstract

Ecological engineering is the science-based quantification of ecological processes to develop and apply engineering-based design criteria for sustainable systems, consistent with ecological principles that integrate human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both. At present, there is little consensus on what distinguishes ecological engineering curricula from existing environmental, biosystems, or agricultural engineering curricula. In view of this, it is suggested that ecological engineering curricula should be offered only at the graduate level, and should require rigorous ABET-accredited undergraduate preparation in the fundamentals of engineering. Furthermore, a professional engineering certification be developed to insure the continuing credibility of this new engineering specialization.