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701-5001-00L 1 Credits DR D-USYS
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Ethics and Scientific Integrity for Doctoral Students

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nina Buchmann, Dr. Melanie Paschke
The target group is the following: - PhD student Environmental sciences, Agricultural Sciences For PhD students in the PhD program in Plant Sciences: Students of University of Zurich and University of Basel have full access if registered as ETH special student. For more information, please consult the following website:
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:19

Abstract

This course supports doctoral students in recognising and addressing ethical issues that may arise during their research. A special priority will be discussion of cases that are arising from using generativ AI in scientific processes.

Objective

After completing the course, doctoral students will be able to: - identify and analyse ethical issues in their own scientific research, - apply principles of good scientific practice to discipline-specific cases, - develop and justify strategies for ethical decision-making, and - reflect critically on their professional role and responsibilities as scientific researchers.

Content

In Part I (self-paced e-learning), students are introduced to key concepts of ethics and good scientific practice and explore resources and strategies for ethical decision-making. In Part II (face-to-face workshop), students apply this knowledge to discipline-specific cases in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, practicing ethical reasoning, problem-solving, and discussion with peers. The course promotes subject-specific expertise alongside critical thinking, teamwork, integrity, and self-reflection.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
• Part of the course is self-guided learning in the Moodle online part. (Please log in via AAI login). The modules need to be finished before the start of the course.• You will pass the online part once you have completed all mandatory content (this includes watching videos, reading articles, making notes etc.) including tests. You must work through every module to complete this first part of the course. Completion is checked. Some modules provide additional information (links, videos, articles etc.). Everything under the heading “Do you want to know more?" is optional (12 hours of work).• This course includes mandatory and active participation during two face-to-face seminars (8 hours of work).• In between independent and self-organized group work is carried out. You will solve two ethical cases (10 hours of work): Case 1 to be worked individually on and finished by filling and handing in a written “Ethical Assessment Canvas (1 page)”. Case 2 is a group case to be finished by a group presentation at the second face-to-face meeting (15 minutes presentation and 10 minutes discussion).

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
09.02.2025
Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Ethics and Scientific Integrity for Doctoral Students
The course will take place in two parts: individual study time (about 20 hours; online) plus two half days in person. The half days will be on 6 March 2025 and on 10 April 2025, 2 to 6 pm. Location will be communicated in due time.
  • 06.03 Date 14:15-18:00 (ML H 37.1)
  • 10.04 Date 14:15-18:00 (CHN F 42)
10 h semesterly

Offered In