FAK3015 The Sustainable Scientist 2.0 credits

The course includes lectures and exercises in three different modules in which the Department of Philosophy interacts with KTH Technology Innovation:

(1) Basic Research Ethics (Department of Philosophy).

Key ethical issues and concepts (such as autonomy and informed consent). Research misconduct. The researcher responsible for research consequences. The relevance of the research norms of basic ethical theories. Ethical review and research ethics committees, the new law on research ethics review.

(2) Researchers and Sustainable Development (Department of Philosophy)

Key concepts and issues. Ethical responsibility for sustainability. The moral responsibility of researchers, engineers and experts. Interactions between science, policy and society. Corporate responsibility.

(3) Innovation and Intellectual Property (KTH Innovation).

Key concepts and issues. Innovation - Different ways to create value and impact from research results. IP and contracts - Different ways of protecting intellectual property and common agreement in the innovation process and how they work in practice.

After completed course, the student should be able to:

•    identify and describe common research ethical problems.

•    analyse the research ethical problems taking relevant empirical factors into account.

•    suggest possible solutions to the research ethical problems.

•    analyse the concept of sustainable development in relation to science and technology.

•    reflect on the role of research and researchers for achieving sustainability.

•     identify different types of intellectual property created in the research .

•    reflect on and identify potential ways of protecting and creating value from the intellectual property created in the research.

The student needs to have studied at least on year at the third-cycle (research) level.

The course literature will be announced in good time before the course starts.

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.

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

Written assignments and exercises.

• 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.