Research Ethics and Society

Course goals

ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE PLACED ON THE WAITING LIST UNTIL TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE START OF THE COURSE

By the end of the course, you should be able to:
• Discern the morally salient dimensions of a research project, and come to a well-considered judgment about the acceptability of such a project
• Reflect on moral dilemmas for researchers and Research Ethics Committees, and be able to systematically analyze such dilemmas
• Weigh the various arguments involved, and work towards a well-reasoned position or decision

Content

Contact details: Educational Office Epidemiology
E-mail: msc-epidemiology@umcutrecht.nl

Course coordinator: 
Prof. dr. R. (Rieke) van der Graaf, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands

Registration:
This course is only open to MSc Epidemiology (Post Graduate) students. You can register for this course via Osiris Student. More information about the registration procedure can be found here on the Students' site. NOTE Students of the MSc Epidemiology (Post Graduate) that register in time (i.e. at least two weeks before the start of a course) will always be admitted to the course unless it is completely full.
 
Course description:
As an epidemiologist you have to be able to reflect on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of your knowledge and judgements. Both in the design and conduct of research, as well as in the discussion, interpretation, and communication of research results, ethical considerations always play a role. The course aims to introduce you to theory, logical reasoning, and case studies, in the ethics of experimentation on human subjects, international research, and research on children and other vulnerable populations.
Also the role of epidemiological research within society is discussed. In particular you will be asked to formulate your personal view and ambitions within the field.

Literature/study material used:
-
  
Mandatory for students in own Master’s programme:
Yes
 
Optional for students in other GSLS Master’s programme:
No

Prerequisite knowledge:
Introduction to Epidemiology
Study Design