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AK2017 Introduction to Research Ethics 3.0 credits

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Introductory course in research ethics.

This is an introductory course in research ethics. The course covers the major research ethical problems and concepts, such as autonomy and informed consent, scientific fraud and misconduct, the researcher’s responsibility for the consequences of her research, the relevance of ethical theories to research ethics. Researchethical declarations such as the declaration of Helsinki will be introducedand discussed.

After completing this course, the student should be able to identify and describe common research ethical problems, and analyze the problems taking relevant empirical factors into account. Moreover, the student should be able to suggest possible solutions to the problems and to justify the chosen solution by means of basic ethical principles. The course has two specializations, namely for students from 1) the natural sciences and engineering, and 2) the social sciences and humanities. Students choose their specialization in consultation with the teacher at the beginning of the course.

Preliminary, the course consists of 6 lectures/seminars. It is taught in English.

Choose semester and course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Application

For course offering

Autumn 2024 Start 26 Aug 2024 programme students

Application code

50048

Headings with content from the Course syllabus AK2017 (Autumn 2018–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

This is an introductory course in research ethics. The course covers the major research ethical problems and concepts, such as autonomy and informed consent, scientific fraud and misconduct, the researcher’s responsibility for the consequences of her research, and the relevance of ethical theories to research ethics. Research ethical declarations such as the declaration of Helsinki will be introduced.

The course is offered to students from the natural sciences and engineering and from the social sciences and humanities. Some classes are given jointly, whereas others are given separately for the different groups.

The course is only taught provided at least 5 applicants accept the course spot offered them. Should less than 5 applicants accept their spot, it is possible to take the course as a reading course in consultation with the teacher.

Intended learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to identify and describe common research ethical problems, and analyze the problems taking relevant empirical factors into account. Moreover, the student should be able to suggest possible solutions to the problems and to justify the chosen solution by means of basic ethical principles.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Higher education studies comprising 120 ECTS in the areas of natural sciences/technological sciences or equivalent. English proficiency equivalent to Swedish gymnasium English B.

Recommended prerequisites

No information inserted

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

Kurslitteratur anslås på kursens hemsida senast fyra veckor innan kursstart.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • DELA - Attendance, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • INLA - Assignment, 1.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

Satisfactory attendance and passed written assignment.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Profile picture John Cantwell

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

ABE/Philosophy

Main field of study

This course does not belong to any Main field of study.

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

AK2018, Advanced course in Research Ethics (former code: 1N1121).

Contact

Per Wikman Svahn (per.wikman@abe.kth.se)

Supplementary information

The course is only taught provided at least 5 applicants accept the course spot offered them.