Research Ethics and Research-based Knowledge, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master's Programme in Ethics, Science, and Policy

Entry requirements

• Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the students should on an advanced level be able to:

• explain ethical principles and values relevant to research
• orally and in writing, analyse ethical problems that may arise in various phases of research as well as in the use of research-based knowledge
• apply ethical principles and concepts in an in-depth analysis of concrete research ethics issues
• formulate theory-based recommendations and assessments of a normative question concerning research
• use a critical approach to positions and arguments within research ethics

Course content

This course focuses on the relationship between ethics and research and encompasses ethical issues, such as those related to various phases of research. The possibilities of promoting good research ethics and ethically defensible research results are critically discussed. Furthermore, the scientific and ethical requirements placed on research and tools for assessing whether research results meet these requirements are addressed.

The course begins with an overview of the fundamental requirements for academic research, such as scientific integrity and good research ethics. Risks associated with research misconduct and deviations from good research ethics are illustrated with concrete cases. Formal requirements for ethical review in research involving animals and humans are introduced and problematized. The values that ethical review aims to protect are presented, and alternative ways to ensure these are explored.

The course includes applying ethical principles and guidelines as well as critically reflecting on existing research ethics frameworks. Additionally, it involves applying principles for ethical review to concrete cases and assessing the extent to which specific research strategies and practices can be ethically justified, for example, regarding publication. Conditions for ethically defensible research are discussed. Defensible research results are critically discussed to provide a basis for assessing the quality and usability of research results.

Teaching and working methods

The course includes lectures, group discussions, writing assignments, seminars, and workshops. Students are also expected to engage in self-study.

Language of instruction and examination: English.

Examination

The course is examined through:

• active participation in seminars, grading scale: UG
• individual written exam, grading scale: EC
• individual written assignment, grading scale: EC

To get Pass (E) as the final grade, at least an E is required on the individual written exam, the individual written assignment, and active participation in seminars. 
For a final grade of D, at least a D is required on the individual written exam and individual written assignment. 
For a final grade of C, at least a C is required on one of the components that give ECTS grades and at least a D on the other. 
For a final grade of B, at least a B is required on one of the components that give ECTS grades and at least a C on the other. 
For a final grade of A, at least an A is required on one of the components that give ECTS grades and at least a B on the other.

Detailed information can be found in the study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

About teaching and examination language

The teaching language is presented in the Overview tab for each course. The examination language relates to the teaching language as follows: 

• If teaching language is “Swedish”, the course as a whole could be given in Swedish, or partly, or as a whole, in English. Examination language is Swedish, but parts of the examination can be in English.
• If teaching language is “English”, the course as a whole is taught in English. Examination language is English.
• If teaching language is “Swedish/English”, the course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. Examination language is Swedish or English depending on teaching language.

Department