CH973-10 Research Ethics and Practice
Introductory description
It is the responsibility of all practising scientists to understand the ethical context and constraints of their work. Prior to, during and following the completion of research activities, researchers are expected to consider the ethical implications of their research and its consequences for participants. The Research Ethics and Practice module focuses on how to be consistent with current frameworks for the oversight and management of research ethics and good laboratory practice. It also introduces participants to the complexities of managing legal, moral, contractual and professional conduct issues in research. It aims to ensure that all participants are able to consider and manage effectively all of the pertinent ethical issues relating to their research, in accordance with the guidelines of the UK Research Integrity Office, and to identify areas for further learning and development, for example with regards to the specific legislation that impacts their field of research.
Module aims
This module aims to enable participants to deal with complex ethical issues both systematically and creatively, and to communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. It envisages that they will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of ethical issues and be able to apply that understanding in their own research and that of others, to continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to apply the new skills to a high level. At the conclusion of the module students should be able to successfully apply for ethical approval for their research project.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- Role of ethics and integrity in conducting research at Universities
- Critical history of modern ethics: Kantian ethics, Utilitarianism, Virtue Ethics
- UK Legal and Regulatory Framework
- Working with animals
- Working with human subjects
- Working with human tissue
- Working with personal data
- Personal integrity issues
- Publishing ethics (authorship, IP, plagiarism)
- Warwick procedures
- Researching abroad ethically
- Case studies
- Structured discussion of key ethical ideas and examples
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand ethical theory, codes of ethics, principles, values in ethics and the range of ethical issues that arise in practice
- Discuss ethical theory
- Be aware of ethical issues applicable to their own research
- Identify and analyse ethical difficulties and dilemma arising in practice, and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Specific reading list for the module
Interdisciplinary
Communicating across disciplines with module participants from different SEM departments
Subject specific skills
Understand ethical theory, codes of ethics, principles, values in ethics and the range of ethical issues that arise in practice
Discuss ethical theory
Be aware of ethical issues applicable to their own research
Identify and analyse ethical difficulties and dilemma arising in practice, and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Describe, analyse and arguing for a resolution of an ethical dilemma, justifying the position by drawing on ethical theory and frameworks.
Transferable skills
Awareness of ethical issues applicable in research
Ability to communicate clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 2 sessions of 6 hours (15%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 8 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Private study | 60 hours (75%) |
| Total | 80 hours |
Private study description
Self-directed study and preparation of of the ethical presentation or ethical submission
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A5
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Module Handbook Portfolio | 100% | 20 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Completion of all activities within the module handbook, including completing the Moodle assignments, attending and contribution to the one day seminar and producing a short piece of written reflection on what you learned during the seminar and case studies. The final part is the presentation on a specific ethical case OR an ethical submission for own research. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Verbal feedback during group discussions and presentations will be provided.
Written feedback on Moodle assignments will be provided.
Supervisor's and final marker's feedback on the portfolio will be provided via SkillsForge.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 1 of TCHA-F1PC Postgraduate Certificate in Transferable Skills in Science
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 1 of TCHA-F1PD The Warwick Postgraduate Award in Transferable Skills in Science