Course syllabus - Professional Ethics

Objectives

As a professional you're nowadays expected to be aware of ethical perspectives in a diverse of areas. The course will give the insight in the ethical problems important for professionals in Engineering and Science.

Learning outcomes

The student will after fulfilled course have the following competences:
- describe different schools of ethics and ethical tradiations and questions
- be able to reflect upon the own research or speciality field in an ethical perspective
- will be able to rationally reason and reflect upon ethical problems and their possible solutions
- apply autonomous and critical judgement in professional contextes

Course content

Topics covered will include philosophical foundations of Ethics, critical thinking with analysis of case-studies relevant for a given profession, and exercises in communication skills through written and spoken ethical arguments. Through roll play participants will test different ethical perspectives and even exchange pro- and contra outlooks in the argument. Invited guest lectures are delivered by specialists within professions that have ethical significance.

Tuition

The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, guest lectures, classroom training (discussions with role play), and training in critical thinking and writing essays.

Specific requirements

At least 150 credits from an institution of higher education. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 2 and English course A/English course 5 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 2.

Examination

Exercise (INL1), 2.5 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5
Seminar(SEM1), 4 credits, marks Pass (G)
Seminar (SEM2), 1 credits, marks Pass (G)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail