MNSES9100 - Science, ethics and society
Course content
The course takes a critical and analytical look at the role of science and technology in modern society. Questions addressed include: What is science? How does it differ from other disciplines? Which ethical responsibilities do scientists have to their peers and the public? How should society manage technological risk? What is the role of education, the media, industry and government on the progress of science and technology?
The course covers three main topics:
- philosophy of science;
- research ethics; and
- science and society. Examples and case studies will be taken from all areas of science and technology.
Learning outcome
The course will contribute to the student's appreciation of the place and role of science in a modern society, as well as a broad insight into the way science and scientists are perceived and studied within other disciplines such as philosophy, ethics and sociology. Course literature ranges from classic works in philosophy of science and research ethics, to topical cases drawn from the international and national media. The analysis and discussion of case studies forms a central part of the course, particularly in research ethics. Teaching comprises both lectures and small group discussions.
Admission
Students should register via e-mail to phd-info@matnat.uio.no, please write "Registration MNSES9100" in the subject area. On registration, please provide your full name.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits with MNVIT9000
- 5 credits with MNVIT8000
- 6 credits with MNVIT401
Teaching
Teaching runs as an intensive course over one week in October/November with 20 hours of lectures and 12 hours of group discussions and seminars. 2-3 weeks after the course there will be a follow-up seminar for students to present, discuss and get feedback on their chosen essay topics.
NB! You have to participate in at least 80 % of the teaching to be allowed to take the exam. Attendence at lectures will be registered.
Examination
A written essay of 6-9 pages.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.