| Instructor | Dr.
Elba Serrano
Ph. D. Stanford University Associate Professor of Biology, Biology Department, NMSU Research Interests: Neuroscience, Biophysics, Photonics |
| Office | Foster Hall 337D |
| Office hours: | Mon and Wed 12:15-1:15 pm |
| Telephone | 646-5217 |
| eserrano@nmsu.edu | |
| Appointments | Sign up on sheet outside FH 337D
OR make appointment for other times via email or phone |
| Required Textbooks: |
|
| Goals: This course will provide an introduction to the field of bioethics for graduate students. Students will be asked to examine the role of the scientist in society and to become aware of the complex ethical issues facing scientists engaged in biological research. The course will focus on some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise from professional interactions in the workplace (examples: scientific misconduct, advisor/student relationships, intellectual property, conflicts of interest, data ownership and management etc). In addition we will examine ethical issues raised by biological research such as the use of animals in research, natural resource management, human cloning, biological weapons, plant genetic engineering, and the human genome project. The goals of this course are to provide students with a practical foundation in research ethics, and to encourage students to critically examine and evaluate the impact and consequences of scientific research. |
| Aug 22 | Course
Introduction
Ethics and Philosophy
|
Ethics
and the ScientistX
Dr.
Tim Cleveland, guest lecturer
|
| Aug 29
ASSIGNMENT |
Analytical
Frameworks
Scientific Integrity |
Analyzing
Ethical Dilemmas
Research Integrity and
Scientific Misconduct
|
| Sept 5
ASSIGNMENT |
Scientific
Integrity
Analytical Frameworks |
Codes
of conduct
Mentoring of Students Authorship and Peer Review Conflicting Interests
and Collaborative Research
|
| Sept 12 | class cancelled | |
| Sept 19
ASSIGNMENT |
Scientific
Integrity
Analytical Frameworks Organisms in Research |
Ownership
of Data and Intellectual Property
Resolving Ethical Conflicts
|
| Sept 26
ASSIGNMENT |
Environmental Ethics | Dr.
Laura Foster Huenneke, guest lecturer
Professor of Biology PhD Cornell University Research Interests: Plant Community and Population Ecology |
| Oct 3
ASSIGNMENT |
Organisms in Research | Use
of Humans and Animals in Experimentation
Special focus: Stem Cells and Human Cloning Biological Weapons National defense and bioterrorism |
| Oct 10
ASSIGNMENT |
Genetic
Engineering
LAST CLASS |
Genetic
Technology
Eugenics Human Genome Project |
| Oct 24 | Deadline | Hand in journal and case studies to Dr. Serrano |
| Exam Week
ASSIGNMENT |
Class meets for two hours | Foster 110 3:30-5:30 pm |
Grading: A total of 200 pts may be earned during the course.
In class participation: (75 pts) Based on your contribution to class discussion, activities as session moderator or group leader and evidence of preparedness for class.
Journal assignment: (75 pts) Students will be required to maintain a mini-journal on a topic of their choice during the course. The objective of this assignment is for students to explore their own values and ethics in the context of scientific issues that are raised by media articles, TV programs, science classes, lab exercises, research experiences etc. For details of the journal, click here! DUE DATE: October 24Case studies (50 points) Students will be required to write up and turn in an analysis of case studies assigned by the instructor from the textbooks. A cover essay will be part of this assignment. For details of the case studies click here! DUE DATE: October 24
Late assignments. 10% of the total points will be deducted for each week the assignment is late. Assignments will not be accepted if handed in more than 2 weeks after the due date.
Attendance: Debate and discussion are essential components of this class, therefore, students are expected to attend all classes.
25 points will be deducted from your overall points for each unexcused absence.
Grade Scale:
Important dates:A 180-200 pts
B 160-179 pts
C 140-159 pts
D 120-139 pts
F < 120 pts
S (Satisfactory) requires a B-
Note: The grade scale may be curved at the end of the semester at the discretion of the instructor.
Oct 24 Journal and case studies dueOTHER:
Exam week Class will meet for one hour; time TBA
GUIDELINES FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: During the semester, many opinions will be voiced in the class. You may strongly disagree with some of these, or you may find them amusing. Outbursts can be misinterpreted or counterproductive to meaningful and thoughtful debate. Therefore, it is important that you exercise self-discipline and self-control, and treat all members of the class with the courtesy that you are entitled to receive in turn. The key words are: respect and courtesy. Thank you!SYLLABUS MODIFICATION: The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus during the semester as considered necessary to enhance the quality of the instruction, to meet the needs of students in the class and to achieve course objectives. Any changes to the syllabus [or to the course schedule] will be announced in class and you are responsible for being aware of them.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have or believe you have a disability, you may wish to self-identify. You can do so by providing documentation to the Office for Services for Students with Disabilities, located at Garcia Annex (phone 646-6840). Appropriate accommodations may then be provided for you.
XEROX and/or BACKUP all assignments before submitting them to the instructor.
SAVE xeroxes of all graded assignments and exams from this course at least until you have received your final grade.