Research Ethics for Science and Technology, 2 credits

RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES

Registered PhD student at Natural science and Technology.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will give the students a general knowledge about both ethical problems in research and different views on what constitutes ethics and science respectively. The course also aims at improving the student’s capacity to reflect on his or her own preconceptions and values with regard to research ethical problems and the student’s ability to mobilise a sense of responsibility when faced with research ethical problems. After completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• Identify and characterize research ethical problems and solutions
• Identify interests and concerns relevant to involved parties
• Apply those skills to their own research
• Discuss a research ethical dilemma and argue for ways to solve it

LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR DOCTORAL DEGREE 

The course will give the students a general knowledge about both ethical problems in research and different views on what constitutes ethics and science respectively. The course also aims at improving the student’s capacity to reflect on his or her own preconceptions and values with regard to research ethical problems and how to address them. After completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• Identify and characterize research ethical problems and solutions
• Identify interests and concerns relevant to involved parties
• Apply those skills to their own research
• Write a report on a research ethical dilemma

Thus the requirements in the Higher Education Ordinance are met; that the PhD student:

• demonstrate intellectual independence and scientific integrity as well as the ability to make research ethical judgments, and
• show in-depth insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and people's responsibility for how it is used.

Also see the Act on responsibility for good research practice, SFS 2019:504.

COURSE CONTENTS

Some of the topics studied during the course are:

• Ethical theories and norms
• Critical discussion of guidelines and laws that regulate research
• Fraud and misconduct in science
• The ethics and value of technology and scientific progress
• Dual use and responsibilities of researchers
• Professional ethics
• Ethical aspects of research collaborations
• Intellectual ownership
• Authorship and scientific writing issues
• The scientist in society

INSTRUCTION

The course consists of lectures, seminars, and group work. Active participation in seminars is expected.

ASSESSMENT

The examination consists of a group presentation and completion of a chosen project in research ethics.

COURSE EXAMINER

Stefan Eriksson, stefan.eriksson@crb.uu.se

DEPARTMENT WITH MAIN RESPONSIBILITY

Centrum för forsknings- och bioetik, Institutionen för folkhälso- och vårdvetenskap

CONTACT PERSON/S 

Stefan Eriksson, Stefan.eriksson@crb.uu.se

APPLICATION

Submit the application for admission to: 
http://www2.medfarm.uu.se/utbildning/forskarniva/for_doktorander/kurs935.html 
http://www2.medfarm.uu.se/utbildning/forskarniva/for_doktorander/kurs937.html 
http://www2.medfarm.uu.se/utbildning/forskarniva/for_doktorander/kurs939.html 

Submit the application not later than:
Opportunity 1: 2023-01-22
Opportunity 2: 2023-02-12
Opportunity 3: 2023-08-13