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701-5001-00L 1 Credits DR D-USYS

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: 2026-06-03 00:14:19

Abstract

This course raises awareness of doctoral students to ethical issues that may arise during their doctorate. After an introduction to ethics and good scientific practice, students use resources that can assist them with ethical decision-making. Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and train their newly acquired skills in an interactive, discipline specific context.

Objective

Doctoral students learn how to identify, analyse and address ethical issues in their own scientific research. Furthermore, they are encouraged to reflect on their professional role as scientific researchers.

Content

This course consists of two parts. Part I must be finished before the start of the Part II. Part I is a self-paced e-learning course with 5 modules on (1) Introduction into ethics, (2) Ethics in scientific research, (3) Collecting resources, (4) Setting up a strategy, and (5) Making decisions. Part II is a face-to-face interaction which focuses on discipline-specific aspects in the general area of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. It provides an interactive learning environment. Students get to apply their knowledge, and they are encouraged to reflect on ethical problems and to critically discuss them with fellow doctoral students.

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
08.02.2026
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 5.3.26 and 17.4.26 from 2:15 to 6 pm. Location will be communicated in due time.
  • 05.03 Date 14:15-18:00 (HG F 26.3)
  • 17.04 Date 14:15-18:00 (HG E 33.1)
10 h semesterly

Offered In