neu730 - Biosciences in the Public Eye and in our Laws (Complete module description)

Module label	Biosciences in the Public Eye and in our Laws
Module code	neu730
Credit points	6.0 KP
Workload	180 h ( 56h contact / 84h research for presentations / 40h term paper )
Institute directory	Department of Neurosciences
Applicability of the module	Master's Programme Biology (Master) > Skills Modules Master's Programme Biology (Master) > Skills Modules Master's Programme Neuroscience (Master) > Skills Modules
Responsible persons	Sienknecht, Ulrike (module responsibility) Sienknecht, Ulrike (authorised to take exams)
Prerequisites
Skills to be acquired in this module	+ 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
Module contents	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.
Recommended reading
Links
Language of instruction	English
Duration (semesters)	1 Semester
Module frequency	annually, summer term
Module capacity	12
Type of module	Wahlpflicht / Elective
Module level	MM (Mastermodul / Master module)
Previous knowledge	Fundamentals of genetics, physiology, ecology and biological systematics

Type of course	SWS	Frequency	Workload of compulsory attendance
Lecture		SuSe	0
Seminar and exercise	4	SuSe	56
Total module attendance time			56 h

Examination	Prüfungszeiten	Type of examination
Final exam of module	within a few weeks of summer term lecture period	Term paper Regular participation during the semester is required (max 3 days of absence)