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  • MNSES9100

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 outcomes

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

This course is mandatory for all PhD candidates at the MN-faculty (UiO) who were admitted to the Programme after the 21st of June 2007.

The course is open primarily for PhD candidates who have admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at UiO.

On the condition that places are available, other candidates with a documented admission to a PhD programme at other Norwegian universities or University Colleges may apply for admission. If so, you have to apply for status as a visiting PhD student .

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.

NB! If you do not have an admission to the PhD programme in Science at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at UiO, you have to apply for hospitantstatus. Deadlines for applying is stated at the application form.

Only students admitted to the course may take part in instruction and tuition and sit for the examination.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.

Overlap

• 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.

Exam information

A written essay of 10-12 pages.

Exam resources

No special exam resources are allowed.

Assessment and grading

Students are awarded either a passing or a failing grade. Read more about the grading system .

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