Ethics and Responsibility in Science (SCIE90005)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - Online |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
What is conflict of interest? What should a scientist do when they find fraud is occurring on a scientific research team? How does a scientist write and defend an animal ethics submission and get it approved? What are the ethical issues associated with peer review? This subject is intended to give students a broad overview of research ethics in a scientific context. It will include topics on scientific integrity; conflicts of interest; data recording management; authorship and peer review; animal experimentation and regulations; privacy and confidentiality of records; and, finally, research in humans.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject students should:
- be aware of the different ethical responsibilities of individuals in scientific workplaces;
- understand the ethical issues associated with data recording and storage and reporting of research findings;
- develop first-hand experience in critical thinking and appraisal related to ethics
Generic skills
The subject will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own sense of intellectual integrity and ethics of scholarship.
They should build upon generic skills including:
- the ability to critically assess and assimilate new knowledge through a range of information and communication technologies;
- high level ability to engage in collaborative learning and confront unfamiliar problems in an academic environment.
They will learn how to apply these skills and be able to use them effectively in their professions and workplaces.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Two workshop assignments due between weeks 2 (500 words, 5%) and 7 (1000-1500 words, 10%)
| From Week 2 to Week 7 | 15% |
An authorship essay paired with a student peer review task due between weeks 8 & 10
| From Week 8 to Week 10 | 20% |
An essay (50%) with an oral presentation on an ethics topic (5%)
| End of semester | 55% |
Attendance at, and participation in, all classes including lectures, workshops (including preparation and submission of task-sheets) and all student oral presentations | Throughout the semester | 10% |
| Hurdle requirement: Attendance at a minimum of 6/8 lectures and 5/6 workshops is a hurdle requirement, and any absence (such as illness, etc.) must be supported with a valid reason, in line with University policy - proof will be required | N/A |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Online
Coordinators Ollie Thomas and Lauren Salo Mode of delivery Online Contact hours 26 hours comprising 8 x one-hour lectures, 6 x three-hour workshops. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021 Last self-enrol date 12 March 2021 Census date 31 March 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021 Assessment period ends 25 June 2021 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 31 January 2024