Admission requirements
n.a.
Description
Science and in particular the natural sciences play an integral part in our society. However, due to incidents concerning integrity the societal credit has diminished.
This course is designed to inform bachelor students on topics as scientific integrity and social responsibilities of scientist. Broad questions, which are inseperable linked to these topics are discussed. Namely regarding the nature of science and the societal role it fulfills.
On Being a Scientist, part 1 will comprises the following subjects:
What is science
Which questions do scientists ask
What do scientists do
What do scientists contribute
Alpha, beta & gamma; how do scientists differ
How is science organised
Course objectives
Students will be familiar with the preconditions and principles of science and “knows what is and isn’t acceptable”.
Students will have a realistic view of what science is and what scientist do.
Students will recognise integrity dilemmas; knowing how to handle themselves in clear cut situation, and have a sufficient basis to be able to handle unclear situations.
Students know and recognise similarities and differences between their own discipline and other disciplines in- and outside the faculty of Science.
Timetable
<table border="10"><tr><th></th> <th></th> <th></th> </tr><tr><td>Lectures</td> <td>Friday</td> <td> </td></tr><tr><td>February 05, 2016</td> <td>09:00-11:00</td> <td> Gorlaeus 04/05</td> </tr><tr><td>February 12, 2016</td> <td>09:00-11:00</td> <td> Gorlaeus 04/05</td> </tr><tr><td>February 19, 2016</td> <td>09:00-11:00</td> <td> Gorlaeus 04/05</td> </tr><tr><td>February 26, 2016</td> <td>09:00-11:00</td> <td> Gorlaeus 04/05</td> </tr><tr><td>March 04, 2016</td> <td>09:00-11:00</td> <td> Gorlaeus 04/05</td> </tr><tr><td>March 11, 2016</td> <td>09:00-11:00</td> <td> Gorlaeus 04/05</td> </tr><tr><td>Examination</td> <td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>March 18, 2016</td> <td>09:00-12:00</td> <td>USC</td> </tr><tr><td>Re examination</td> <td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>July 5, 2016</td> <td>09:00-12:00</td> <td> Huygens 2.04 </td> </tr><th></th> <th></th> <th></th></table>### Mode of instruction
Lectures and group discussions
Assessment method
Written examination and group assignments
Blackboard
Because of technical difficulties we will not be using the platform Coursera for this course after all.
The Blackboard-course ‘On Being a Scientist [2015-16]’ (Blackboard Course-ID 4602OBAS-1516FWN) will be available to students on Thursday 4 February at the latest.
Students who had enrolled for this subject in Usis before Monday 1 February, will be enrolled in Blackboard by the administration, others will have to enroll in Blackboard themselves as well as in Usis on Friday 5 February at the latest.
Reading list
Suggested reads (not compulsory):
On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research: Third Edition (2009). National Academies Press, Washington, D.C. – available as free download
John Hatton & Paul Plouffe (1997) Science and its ways of knowing.
Remarks
This course is offered to all students of the faculty of Science.
The course ‘On being a Scientist’ is offered in 2 parts;part 1 (2 EC) and part 2 (1 EC)
The programmes Biology offers part 1 in year 2 and part 2 in year 3 (as part of General Research Skills).
The programme Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences offer part 1 in year 2 (as part of Academische Vorming 2) and part 2 in year 3.
All other programmes offer the complete course (3 EC) is year 3 of the bachelor programme.