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Ethics and Responsibility in Science (SCIE90005)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery |
|---|---|
| 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: 20 February 2023
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: 20 February 2023
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: 20 February 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Ollie Thomas Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 26 hours comprising 8 x one-hour lectures, 6 x three-hour workshops. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
- Completion rate. Students who started their course from 2022 and are in a CSP or receiving a HELP Loan (eg FEE-HELP) must meet the completion rate to continue to receive Commonwealth Support for that course.
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement, and as a fail toward the completion rate, unless there are approved ‘special circumstances’.
Last updated: 20 February 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Subject notes
Students will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.
- 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.
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
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 20 February 2023