Research ethics and philosophy of science, with focus on biology
Course description
The course will give the student knowledge in research ethics and philosophy of science with a focus on concepts and theories relevant to the field of biology. The course will provide specific examples and practical implications that the student can apply to their research area, knowledge that will be useful for the students’ current education and future work.
In short, the course will cover the following topics:
- The basics of ethics in research (fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism)
- Science and society – why is research important?
- Author responsibilities and inclusion criteria
- Peer-review standards and predatory journals
- Misconduct in research
- Whistleblowing, including legal definitions
- Policies related to research ethics: legal definitions, SLUs policy, international policies, policies of scientific journals, Swedish national board for assessment of research misconduct (Npof)
- Overview of the history of philosophy of science
- Present views of philosophy of science (concepts and terminology)
- Practical implications of philosophy within research in biology
The course will be taught fully online. We will provide a course content and online environment that facilitates discussion and inclusive learning!
The 3hp course does not encompass parts regarding ethics in research involving human or other animal subjects. For students in need of the animal research ethics course, this can be provided via a separate course given via a web-based platform.
The animal research ethics covers the following:
- Understanding of ethics behind present legislation on animal experimentation
- The 3R-concept
- Swedish legislation regarding use of animals for scientific purposes
Course facts
P000088, Research ethics and philosophy of science, with focus on biology, 3.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Level
Third cycle
Subject
Biology
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the students shall have gained knowledge in and understanding of different aspects of research ethics and philosophy of science. The students are expected to:
- Describe the basics of ethics in research: fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism – what it means and pitfalls
- Describe the role of science in society – why is research important?
- Describe and discuss present views on author responsibilities and inclusion criteria, SLUs policy, international policies, and policies of scientific journals
- Describe and discuss peer-review standards and predatory journals
- Describe and critically discuss the concept of misconduct in research, legal definitions, SLU’s policy, Swedish national board for assessment of research misconduct (Npof)
- Describe and discuss whistleblowing, legal definitions, SLU’s policy, Swedish national board for assessment of research misconduct (Npof)
- Describe the basic overview of the history of philosophy of science
- Describe present views of philosophy of science (concepts and terminology)
- Describe and discuss practical implications of philosophy within research in biology
Content
The aim of the course is to give the students an overview and understanding of different aspects of research ethics, and to give the students an introduction to philosophy of science.
The course will consist of seminars (lectures and discussions), held online (via zoom or similar platform). Before each seminar, the students should read the literature associated with each lecture.
The examination consists of a written assignment followed by an oral group discussion of the written assignment during the final seminar event.
Additional, optional, animal research ethics part: Web-platform with lectures and information, followed by a multiple-choice questions exam on the same web platform.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Approved written assignment and oral discussion based on the written assignment.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Aquatic Resources
Supplementary information
Other Information
This course is organised within the Ecology Research School, at the Faculty of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences.
The course will be held fully online on zoom or a similar platform. There will be approximately one lecture per week (13:00-15:00), starting mid-October 2025, lasting until early December. The course will likely begiven again in 2026 and onwards.
Preliminary schedule:
1. Introduction - ethics in research (fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism). Why is research important? (15 Oct, 13:00-15:00)
2. Author responsibilities and inclusion criteria, peer-review standards, predatory journals. Legal definitions and policies. (22 Oct, 13:00-15:00)
3. Research misconduct, whistleblowing. Legal definitions and policies. (29 Oct, 13:00-15:00)
4. History of philosophy of science. (5 Nov, 13:00-15:00)
5. Present views in philosophy of science. (12 Nov, 13:00-15:00)
6. Practical implications of philosophy of science in biology (+ handing out exam task). (19 Nov, 13:00-15:00)
7. Summing up, exam discussion. (10 Dec, 13:00-15:00)