Welcome to Ethics and Social Responsibilities for Scientists and Engineers in the 21st Century

The course addresses ethical dilemmas that researchers might face in turbulent times, where clear-cut distinctions between pure and applied science can no longer be upheld, and try to create a space where the participating PhD students can qualify their reflections on their role as young researchers by drawing on philosophical, sociological, and ethical perspectives in analyzing possibilities and problems of contemporary science, engineering and technology. During the course the participants are asked to ethically analyze their own PhD projects, and present their analyses. To facilitate the ethical analyses of PhD projects a number of topical case-studies and relevant analytical tools are presented.

You will find all course information here on Moodle. You will find the texts and the tasks for each day in one folder.

The course is designed so that each day is split up into two sessions: One before lunch and one after. Usually a session begins with a lecture (90 minutes, including breaks) followed by discussions or group work.

During the last session on the third day participants are kindly asked to do a PP presentation on ethical issues in their Ph.D. project (duration: no more than 15 minutes). We will use the group work and discussions during the first two days to qualify your presentation. It is, however a good idea, to begin reflecting on ethical issues in your project when you read the course material.

Reading the text material connected to the lectures, and preparing a PP presentation on ethical aspects of your Ph.D. project, are mandatory activities for all participants.

I hope you will have some enlightening and reflective days.

Best Regards Tom Børsen, Course director. E: boersen@plan.aau.dk

COURSE INFORMATION

Host: The course is hosted by the Department of Planing and Development together with The Doctoral School of Engineering, Science and Medicine at Aalborg University.

Organizers: Associate professor Tom Børsen, Aalborg University, email: boersen@plan.aau.dk

ECTS: 2,5.

Place: Aalborg University Copenhagen, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen SV.

Time: 7-9 December, 2015

Important information concerning PhD courses

We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 5,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately three months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.