EPN-V2

SP9280 Research Ethics Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Forskningsetikk
Study programme
PhD Programme in Social Work and Social Policy
Weight
5.0 ECTS
Year of study
2020/2021
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

The course focuses on ethics and academic conduct on the basis of ethical theory and research ethics issues relating to the candidates' own PhD projects. The course is an elective specialisation course in the PhD programme in Social Work and Social Policy.

Required preliminary courses

No prior knowledge required

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the candidates are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates

  • are capable of making assessing in an appropriate way the application of the diverse experience that the subject area of social work and social policy has gained as regards research ethics issues
  • can contribute to the development of new understanding in the research ethics field

Skills

Candidates are capable of

  • formulating the problems associated with different theories of ethics and reflecting on possible dilemmas, solutions and consequences
  • dealing with complex research ethics issues and ethically problematising the consequences of different choices with respect to theory, method, analysis and dissemination
  • challenging the field of knowledge by assessing and problematising rules and regulations in relation to issues such as consent, duty of confidentiality etc.

General competence

Candidates are capable of

  • identifying new relevant ethical problems and carrying out their research with academic integrity
  • participating in debates and communicating research ethics dilemmas in national and international forums

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures are given on ethical theories, relevant research in the area and research ethics rules and regulations. Much of the teaching is organised as seminars and based on the candidates' presentations of their own projects and their common reflection on and discussion of these projects.

Course requirements

The course will be taught over three consecutive days in the autumn semester. Participation is mandatory, and candidates are expected to attend all days of teaching. A minor absence from teaching (up to 20 %) can only be accepted in special cases, upon application. In the event of absences that are not approved, candidates will lose their right to have their essays assessed.

Assessment

An essay of 8-10 pages about ethical issues relating to the candidates' own projects must be written in connection with the course. The essay must be handed in for assessment by the teacher responsible for the course no later than two months after the last day of the course. A passed essay is a precondition for being awarded the 5 ECTS credits. If the essay is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised essay once, by a specified deadline.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All examination support material is allowed as long as source reference and quotation technique requirements are applied.

Grading scale

Passed- Failed

Examiners

The essay will be graded by the course lectures.

Admission requirements

Target group

The target group for the course consists of candidate from the PhD programme in Social Work and Social Policy, but it will also be open to others who wish to study the field of social work and social policy in depth.

Admission requirements for external applicants to individual courses

  • The course is primarily for PhD candidates.
  • Applicants must send in a certified copy of admission to a PhD program or equivalent, and a summary of approximately one A4 sized sheet including information about your topic, method, theoretical approach and state how this PhD course will be relevant for your research project.
  • In some courses, and if seats are available, applicants with a completed master's degree (120 ECTS) equivalent to the PhD program's professional profile, may be considered for application. A grade above average on the master's thesis or master's degree is required. A certificate of the master's degree must be enclosed, as well as a summary, one page, with information about own research interest.
  • To apply for admission please use the Søknadsweb and enclose all the required certificates.

Maximum number of participants is 15.