Research Ethics 4.5 credits FOR049F

Course syllabus

Name: Research Ethics

Credits: 4,5 hp

Course code: FOR049F

Education cycle: Third-cycle (doctoral level).

Entry requirements: Admitted as doctoral student at Luleå University of Technology. Doctoral students from other universities can apply and will be admitted depending on availability.

Course contents:
The course provides a foundational introduction to research ethics:

• The philosophical foundations of research ethics
• Research ethical principles, guidelines, codes, and declarations
• Research ethical vetting and laws
• Research ethical reasoning about the consequences and influences of research on humans, societies and the earth’s resources
• Gender, intersectionality and equality in research and academy
• Scientific conduct and misconduct

After completing the course, the doctoral student should:

• Show autonomy and scientific conduct and integrity in their own research work, as well as reflect over their own values and judgements and how these relate to their research work, in relation to ethical theories and research ethical principles
• Show the ability to make relevant research ethical assessments in relation to one’s own and others’ research, based on ethical principles for research, guidelines and relevant laws and regulations
• Demonstrate the ability to systematically reflect on one’s own and others’ research activities with respect to research ethics, and in relation to values such as equality and sustainability
• Demonstrate the ability to assess questions about the role of science in society and on the researcher’s responsibility towards society based on ethical principles and theories

Realization:
lectures and seminars, as well as self-studies.

Examination format:

The course is examined through active participation in seminars with corresponding written assignments, as well as through oral and written presentation of an individual essay.

Grading scale: Pass/fail (G/U).

Literature:
ALLEA (2011). The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. Retrieved from: http://www.esf.org/fileadmin/Public_documents/Publications/Code_Conduct_ResearchIntegrity.pdf

Lag (2003:460) om etikprövning som avser människor. http://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/svenskforfattningssamling/lag-2003460-om-etikprovning-av-forskning-som_sfs-2003-460

National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. (1978). The Belmont report: Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research. [Elektronisk resurs]. https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/belmont-report/read-the-belmont-report/index.html

Shamoo, A.E. & Resnik, D.B. (2022). Responsible conduct of research. (4.ed.) Oxford University Press. (Finns som elektronisk resurs)

Vetenskapsrådet (2024). Good Research Practice. [Elektronisk resurs]. Vetenskapsrådet. https://www.vr.se/analys/rapporter/vara-rapporter/2024-10-02-god-forskningssed-2024.html

World Medical Association. (2013). Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. JAMA, 310(20), 2191–2194. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.281053

Additional teaching material of about 100 pages in accordance with the teacher’s instructions.

Reference literature (non-mandatory)

Mustajoki, H. & Mustajoki, A. (2017). A New Approach to Research Ethics. Using Guided Dialogue to Strengthen Research Communities. Routledge.

Course period 2025:
Study period 3, 2025

The course is given repeatedly:
Yes, after this time, the next time the course is given is in study period 3, 2026

Deadline for application 2025: December 13, 2024. Register by sending an e-mail to foutbhlt@ltu.se. State name, social security number (personnummer), e-mail address, department, research subject and main supervisor.

Course Leader:
Viktor Gardelli, viktor.gardelli@ltu.se, 0920-491550

Examiner:
Ylva Backman

Course syllabus established by:
Maria Johansson

Date of establishing:
24-10-22