neu730 - Biosciences in the Public Eye and in our Laws (Vollständige Modulbeschreibung)

56h contact / 84h research for presentations / 40h term paper

+ Expt. methods
+ Scient. Literature
++ Social skills
++ Interdiscipl. knowlg
+ Data present./disc.
+ Scientific English
++ Ethics

Upon completion of this course, students

• know basic rules of good scientific practise
• are aware of the legal framework that is relevant to biological research, e.g. on animal welfare or genetically modified organisms
• have practised to research and summarize different viewpoints on biological research, using both scientific (peer-reviewed) and non-scientific sources
• are able to identify and critically discuss ethical conflicts in biological research, e.g., in the context of stem cell research or data manipulation 
• are able to prepare and give a coherent presentation in a team 
• have practised to lead a group discussion

In supervised exercises, students research the ethical aspects and controversial issues on several specific topics in the biosciences. Everyone participates in researching all topics. Students then take turns in summarizing and presenting each topic in small teams, and leading a critical discussion of each topic. Problem-based, independent research of the scientific background by the students is an integral part of this module.

Example topics:
Good scientific practise and fraud
Neuroenhancement
Artificial intelligence
Animal welfare, Animal experiments
Overfishing, Nature conservation
State-of-the-art genetic tools and their implications
Genetically modified organisms, e.g., in food production, chimeras
Stem cells
Humans as experimental subjects

A bonus can be obtained through active participation during the semester. Active participation requires regular oral contributions to the group discussions, that go beyond giving your own talks. 
A bonus improves the exam mark by one step (0.3 or 0.4). The bonus is optional, an exam mark of 1.0 is achievable without a bonus. A bonus cannot be applied to pass a failed exam.

within a few weeks of summer term lecture period

Term paper
Regular participation during the semester is required (max 3 days of absence)