The course covers the major themes and concepts in engineering ethics, such as the professional responsibilities of engineers, dual-use problems, whistleblowing, scientific misconduct, authorship and credit in research, informed consent, conflicts of interest, and the engineer’s responsibility for sustainable development. Professional engineering codes of ethics and major research ethical declarations will be introduced.
FAK3129 Ethics in Engineering Practice and Research 2.0 credits
Information per course offering
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus FAK3129 (Spring 2019–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus FAK3129 (Spring 2019–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
This is an introductory course in engineering ethics. The course aims at providing the students with tools and concepts that are necessary for discussing ethical aspects of engineering practice and research. After completing the course the students should be able to:
- identify and describe common ethical problems that arise in engineering practice and research, with particular focus on problems that arise in one’s own field of research/specialization
- analyze the problems taking relevant empirical factors into account
- suggest possible solutions to the problems and justify the chosen solutions by means of basic ethical principles and concepts
- systematically reflect on the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the engineer’s responsibilities for how it is used
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
No information inserted
Literature
Course literature will be announced no later than four weeks before the course starts.
Examination and completion
Grading scale
P, F
Examination
- SEM1 - Seminar, 0.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Exam, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Other requirements for final grade
- Seminar attendance, 0.5 credit, grade scale: P, F
- Written exam, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Education cycle
Third cycle
Supplementary information
The course is given for PhD students. The course is taught in English.