The course covers 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, as well as the Swedish legislation on research ethics.
FAK3139 Introduction to Research Ethics 3.0 credits

Information per 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.
Information for Autumn 2025 Start 25 Aug 2025 programme students
- Course location
KTH Campus
- Duration
- 25 Aug 2025 - 24 Oct 2025
- Periods
- P1 (3.0 hp)
- Pace of study
25%
- Application code
50624
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
- No information inserted
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Schedule is not published
- Part of programme
- No information inserted
Contact
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus FAK3139 (Autumn 2019–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course, the PhD student should be able to
- identify and describe common research ethical problems,
- analyze the problems taking relevant empirical factors into account,
- suggest solutions to the problems and justify the chosen solutions by means of basic ethical principles.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Entry requirements for PhD studies.
Literature
Course literature will be announced on the course web site no later rhan four weeks before tha course starts.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- DEL1 - Attendance, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- INL1 - Assignment, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, 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.
DEL1 - Attendance, 1,5 credits
INL1 - Assignments, 1,5 credits
Examiner
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
Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Supplementary information
Language of instruction: English only
Please note! This course replaces F1N5115 Introduction to Research Ethics 3,0 credits