In addition to research
experiences in the laboratory, weekly seminars will engage the
REU participants in discussions of research ethics and policy,
especially as they relate to environmental chemistry and policy.
Topics range from interpersonal and professional responsibilities
to intellectual property considerations.
The goals of the ethics
component are as follows:
1. Provide students
with an understanding of the major ethical issues facing scientific
research today; and
2. Advance students’ skills in critical thinking and writing
through the consideration of ethical issues and cases.
Students are exposed
to the field of research ethics by considering material primarily
from an online research ethics course developed by UM’s
Center for Ethics under contract by the Office of Research Integrity.
The course is currently used as a preparatory course for investigators
and graduate students at the University of Montana. Guest speakers
will also provide input on special issues related to environmental
topics
Component topics include:
1. Ethical issues
in Research: A Framework
2. Interpersonal Responsibility
3. Institutional Responsibility
4. Professional Responsibility
5. Human Participation in Research
6. Animals in Research and Intellectual Property
Instructor Mark Hanson,
from the Center for Practical Ethics at UM, will facilitate a
two-day seminar for REU participants, mentors and guest
civic leaders. The seminar will help participants recognize and
consider ethical issues related to science and their research
experience. The program will guide students to consider their
responsibility as scientists to be conscious of the intended and
unintended consequences of their work. Participants will learn
to apply their ethical training in practical situations and, through
discussion and interaction with civic leaders, to use their expertise
to influence public policy decisions.
The
National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates