Forensic Engineering: Learning from Failures from edX

What do collapsed buildings, infected hospital patients, and crashed airplanes have in common? If you know the causes of these events and conditions, they can all be prevented.

In this course, you will learn how to use the TU Delft mind-set to investigate the causes of such events so you can prevent them in the future.

When, for instance, hundreds of hospital patients worldwide got infected after having gall bladder treatments, forensic engineering helped reveal how the design and use of the medical instruments could cause such widespread infections. As a result, changes were made to the instrument design and the procedural protocols in hospitals. Learning from failure in this case benefitted patient health and safety across the world.

After taking this course you will have an understanding of failures and the investigation processes used to find their causes. You will learn how to apply lessons gained from investigating previous failures into new designs and procedures.

The TU Delft Forensic Engineering mind-set involves recommendations for:

Data collection ranging from desk studies (theoretical/predicted performance of structures) to field investigations (actual performance of failed structures)
Hypothesis generation techniques for technical and procedural causes of failure
Hypothesis testing for engineering aspects of forensic cases
Reporting findings about the most likely causes and consequences
Improving engineering designs based on lessons learned from forensic cases

The course uses case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering. All of these provide great examples that illustrate the approaches and highlight technical and procedural causes of failure. You'll find that not only is it crucial, but it's also exciting to learn from failures.

This course is most useful for:

Students who want to familiarize themselves with forensic engineering
Building, aeronautical, biomechanical designers and engineers
Forensic investigators, police, legal and insurance professionals
Professionals from municipalities, government agencies or clients who are asked to perform internal forensic investigations

This course has been designed by TU Delft's international experts on safety issues, failure investigations and forensics. Arjo Loeve, Michiel Schuurman and Karel Terwel are members of the TU Delft Forensics community, the Delft Safety & Security Institute and the CLHC Expertise Center for Forensic Science and Medicine.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

The basic steps in a forensic investigation
Essential forensic engineering methods and techniques

How to apply the tu delft forensic engineering mind-set in the fields of building engineering, aeronautical engineering and biomechanical engineering
Ways to develop a positive attitude and the right mind-set to learn from failures

The basic steps in a forensic investigation
Essential forensic engineering methods and techniques
How to apply the tu delft forensic engineering mind-set in the fields of building engineering, aeronautical engineering and biomechanical engineering
Ways to develop a positive attitude and the right mind-set to learn from failures

Syllabus

*Modules 3-5 will be offered at the same time, to allow students to choose or prioritize their preferred module(s) based on their main areas of interest.

Module 1: Introduction to Forensic EngineeringYou will learn what Forensic Engineering is and why it is important. Furthermore, you will be introduced to basic concepts such as lifecycles of constructed facilities, failure, and damage.

Module 2: The Forensic Engineering InvestigationYou will learn the basic steps of a Forensic Engineering process and how the TU Delft mind-set can help to perform these steps in a factual, reliable and systematic way.

Module 3*: Case from Civil EngineeringYou will learn about various structural failure mechanisms and you will practice setting hypotheses for structural failures.

Module 4*: Case from Aerospace EngineeringYou will learn about the failure mechanism fatigue in airplanes and how you can test to see whether this occurred.

Module 5*: Case from Biomechanical EngineeringYou will learn about contamination of medical instruments and how technical and procedural aspects play a role.

Module 6: Course debriefingIn this week, the outcomes of the different cases from Modules 3-5 are revealed. Best practices and tips for the future are discussed and some results and contributions from participants are put in the spotlight!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores concepts and topics that are fundamental to understanding complex systems' failure mechanisms

Provides the basic knowledge and skills needed in forensic engineering

Taught by three experts in the field of engineering, safety, and forensics from TU Delft, who are recognized for their work in these areas

Introduces multiple case studies to illustrate failure mechanisms and forensic engineering practices in building engineering, aerospace engineering, and biomechanical engineering

Develops a positive attitude and the right mind-set to learn from failures, which is essential for engineers and professionals in various fields

Reviews summary

Essential airport design

Learners say this course is largely positive if you are interested in learning about the design of the air side of an airport. The course reviews well by students for its clear explanations and engaging assignments.

The course is positive and well structured

"nice course with clear explanations."

"Curso bien estructurado y de fácil comprensión con los ejercicios y respectivas resoluciones."

The instructor is positive

"Excellent, Interesting topic."

"The course is very good but i think that the exam demostration video, with a resolution of a similiar exam, it must be before the exam, not after the exam. Best regards."

"This course has introduced me to the field of airport designing in a very successful way."

The exercises are positive and engaging

"nice course with clear explanations. Feel free to go through and enjoy the course as well. I give this review because i have taken this course"

"The course is very good but i think that the exam demostration video, with a resolution of a similiar exam, it must be before the exam, not after the exam. Best regards."

"Me gustó mucho, muy didactico el contenido y lo mejor que cuenta con ejercicios practicos."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Forensic Engineering: Learning from Failures with these activities:

Prepare for an investigation

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Complete a comprehensive review of basic principles to prepare for complex engineering investigations

Browse courses on Forensic Investigations

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Review concepts of lifecycle of constructed facilities, failure, and damage
Refresh on principles of conducting thorough literature reviews

Review engineering principles

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Refresh your knowledge of engineering principles to strengthen your foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Civil Engineering

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Review key concepts from previous engineering courses
Read articles and watch videos on relevant engineering topics

Review the steps involved in a forensic investigation

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This activity will help you refresh your knowledge of the steps involved in a forensic investigation, which will be essential for understanding the course material.

Browse courses on Forensic Investigation

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Read the course syllabus and make a list of the steps involved in a forensic investigation.
Find a case study of a forensic investigation and follow the steps involved.
Write a summary of the steps involved in a forensic investigation.

Ten other activities

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Follow a tutorial on forensic engineering techniques

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Expand your knowledge of forensic engineering techniques, which will help you conduct more thorough and effective investigations.

Browse courses on Structural Analysis

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Identify reputable sources of information on forensic engineering techniques.
Follow a tutorial on a specific forensic engineering technique.
Apply the technique to a practical exercise.

Explore forensic engineering software

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Hands-on experience with forensic engineering software enhances technical proficiency.

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Identify and research different software tools used in forensic engineering.
Select a software tool to explore and complete tutorials or online courses.
Practice using the software to analyze data, visualize results, and generate reports.

Practice identifying failure types

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Improve your ability to identify and classify different types of failures, which is essential for conducting thorough forensic engineering investigations.

Browse courses on Failure Analysis

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Review different types of failures, such as structural, mechanical, and electrical.
Analyze case studies of real-world failures to identify the root causes.
Practice identifying failure types in mock forensic engineering scenarios.

Develop a data collection plan

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Sketch out a comprehensive data collection plan for a forensic investigation scenario

Browse courses on Data Collection Methods

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Summarize common sources of evidence to collect for forensic investigations
Identify and assess appropriate data collection methods
Present a data collection plan with supporting rationale

Practice hypothesis generation

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Develop your ability in forming well-reasoned hypotheses for technical failures

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State several types of potential failure mechanisms for a given engineering failure case
Generate multiple hypotheses for each potential failure mechanism
Compare and contrast plausible hypotheses

Practice identifying the causes of failures

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This activity will help you develop your skills in identifying the causes of failures, which is a critical skill for forensic engineers.

Browse courses on Failure Analysis

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Find a case study of a failure and identify the potential causes.
Develop a hypothesis for the cause of the failure.
Test your hypothesis by conducting experiments or simulations.
Write a report summarizing your findings.

Create a presentation on a forensic engineering case study

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Develop your skills in presenting complex technical information to audiences, which is essential for effectively communicating your forensic engineering findings.

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Select a forensic engineering case study that you find interesting.
Research the case study and gather relevant information.
Develop a presentation that outlines the key findings of your research.
Practice delivering your presentation.

Conduct a small-scale forensic engineering investigation

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Apply your forensic engineering knowledge and skills to a real-world situation, which will greatly enhance your practical experience and understanding of the field.

Browse courses on Failure Analysis

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Identify a small-scale forensic engineering problem to investigate.
Gather data and evidence related to the problem.
Analyze the data and evidence to determine the root cause(s) of the problem.
Develop recommendations to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future.

Develop a forensic investigation report

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Enhance your ability to present forensic engineering findings in a clear and concise manner, which is crucial for communicating your conclusions to stakeholders.

Browse courses on Technical Writing

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Gather and analyze data related to the failure.
Determine the root cause(s) of the failure.
Develop recommendations to prevent similar failures in the future.
Write a comprehensive forensic investigation report that documents your findings and recommendations.

Create a presentation on a forensic engineering case study

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This activity will help you develop your communication and presentation skills, which are essential for forensic engineers. It will also allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the course material.

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Choose a forensic engineering case study to present on.
Research the case study and gather information.
Develop a presentation outline.
Create presentation slides.
Practice your presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Forensic Engineering: Learning from Failures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Forensic Engineer

Forensic Engineers are employed by insurance companies, law firms, and government agencies to conduct investigations. They may be involved in criminal and civil cases involving accidents, product failures, and other incidents. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to collect data, analyze evidence, and present findings. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Engineer

Safety Engineer

Safety Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing safety procedures and protocols in various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. This course will help you build a foundation in forensic engineering principles and techniques, which can be applied to safety engineering practices. You will learn how to identify and assess hazards, develop risk mitigation strategies, and conduct safety audits. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with examples of how forensic engineering principles can be used to improve safety.

See salaries and explore the career path for Safety Engineer

Structural Engineer

Structural Engineers design and analyze structures to ensure their safety and stability. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze structural failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze medical device failures. The course also covers case studies from Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a specific understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze structural failures. The course also covers case studies from Aerospace Engineering, which will provide you with a specific understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and develop a wide range of machines and systems, from cars to robots. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze mechanical failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and develop infrastructure, such as buildings, bridges, and roads. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze structural failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, which will provide you with a specific understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers develop and test materials used in a wide range of products, from cars to medical devices. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze material failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Engineer

Computer Engineer

Computer Engineers design and develop computer systems and software. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze computer failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Quality Engineer

Quality Engineers develop and implement quality assurance and control systems. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze quality failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Engineer

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design and improve industrial processes and systems. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze industrial failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems and devices. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze electrical failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Reliability Engineer

Reliability Engineers develop and implement reliability engineering principles and practices. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze reliability failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Reliability Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design and develop manufacturing processes and systems. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze manufacturing failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and develop chemical processes and products. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze chemical failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer