Frequently Asked Questions
Research Ethics
What is research ethics?
The focus of research ethics includes regulations, guidelines, and policies, as well as unwritten standards that govern responsibilities of researchers in the performance observation, discovery, experimentation, development, and application of knowledge in diverse scholarly activities. ...more
Why teach research ethics?
Although central to the conduct of research, the topic of research ethics is comprised of issues that are neither self-evident nor routinely taught in either formal or informal settings. For this reason, federal agencies (e.g., National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation) have imposed increasing requirements for training in responsible conduct of research, and many graduate programs are independently requiring such training for all students. However this topic should be taught not only because of requirements but because of responsibilities to individual researchers, to the practice of science, to the public served by the research enterprise, and to the global community in which science is conducted. . ...more
Requirements
What is required?
Requirements vary, but the spirit of those requirements is best met by diverse approaches that reflect ethical reflection as a part of, rather than separate from, the practice of research. One part of that approach can be passive distribution of guidelines, readings, or online tutorials, but such approaches need to be supplemented by active learning experiences based on analysis, discussion, debate, role-playing, etc. . ...more
Options
What courses are offered?
The Research Ethics Program and San Diego Research Ethics Consortium offer many courses and workshops at various times throughout the year. To see a list of upcoming programs, please see the course calendar.
Which course should I take?
All of the courses are designed to meet NIH and NSF training requirements for responsible conduct of research; however, it is up to the PI (Principal Investigator) of the NIH or NSF award to determine if any given course is appropriate to what they have proposed or will be proposing.
How can I find out more about the available courses?
Syllabi for the most recently taught version of each of these courses can be found on the web pages for each course:
Registration
How do I register for these courses?
Any researcher or student interested in taking any of the Research Ethics Program courses is requested to use the Research Ethics Program registration form. In addition, UCSD students can register for academic credit for some, but not all of these courses. Scientific Ethics (SOMI 226), Ethics and Survival Skills (COGS 241 / NEUR 241 / SOMI 241 / PATH 241), and Ethics in Scientific Research are all available for web registration on tritonlink, but this is not necessary.
Who may take these courses?
The courses are open to anyone in the UC San Diego community or any of the San Diego Research Ethics Consortium institutions.
How can I receive credit for completing the course?
Anyone who completes the requirements of the course can, on request, receive a pdf document certifying completion.
Resources for Students
Where can you learn more?
Resources for Teachers
What resources are available for teaching research ethics?
UC San Diego hosts an internationally recognized website, Resources for Research Ethics Education, which provides guidance to instructors of research ethics both in the classroom and in the context of research. In addition, the Research Ethics Program and San Diego Research Ethics Consortium convene periodic workshops to train faculty in the teaching of research ethics. . ...more