Admission requirements
On being a scientist, part 1
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 2 will comprises the following subjects:
Scientific fraud and indecency
Science & Industry
Science and societal problems
Scientific activism
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.
Students will know the role of science in society; will realise their own social responsibility; and will be able to independently take position regarding social issue in which science plays an important role.
Timetable
<table border="0"><tr><th></th> <th></th> <th></th> </tr><tr><td>Lectures</td> <td>Friday</td> <td> </td></tr><tr><td>April 01, 2016</td> <td>09:00-11:00</td> <td>HL 204</td> </tr><tr><td>April 08, 2016</td> <td>09:00-11:00</td> <td>HL 204</td> </tr><td>April 15, 2016</td> <td>09:00-11:00</td> <td>HL 204</td> <tr><td>April 22, 2016</td> <td>09:00-11:00</td> <td>HL 204</td> </tr><td>Examination</td> <td> </td><td> </td><tr><td>April 29, 2016</td> <td>10:00-13:00</td> <td>Huygens 2.04 and 2.07</td> </tr><tr><td>Re examination</td> <td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>July 7, 2016</td> <td>13:00-16:00</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.