Teaching ethics across the disciplines Faculty of Biological Sciences Institute of Membrane and Systems Biology FACULTY OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied A Centre for Excellence in Teaching & Learning Teaching ethics across the disciplines Chris Megone Director, IDEA CETL Dave Lewis Faculty of Biological Sciences & IDEA CETL

their personal and professional lives. About the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied CETL We are working to equip students with the intellectual skills to identify,analyse and respond effectively to ethical issues as they arise in their discipline, and in their personal and professional lives. CBM

Teaching in Partnership Genuinely Inter-Disciplinary & Through Integration NOT philosophers preaching theory or professionals focusing on code compliance. In partnership with Faculties; co-taught by ethicists and staff from the host discipline Integrated through the curriculum, levels 1,2,3,4 and PG. Not a bolt-on which students see as ‘soft’ option which they just have to get through Integrated into subject specific modules, so students learn to consider topics from ethical angle Enables students to develop key intellectual skills required for ethical study and reflection. CBM

Adoption of the most appropriate teaching & learning methods/forums Interactive lectures Seminars & workshops Tutorials Debates Case studies E-learning Wikis & blogs

Controversial Topics in …………… Level 1 Interactive introduction to ethics lecture 250+ students Aim: introduce students to ethical issues within their discipline Format Ethical issues within their everyday lives Ice breaker Group then plenary discussion of ethics within their discipline

Controversial Topics in …………… Discipline Practitioner Use of animals Scientific integrity

Manchester Congestion charge Environmental issues Manchester Congestion charge 2008; GMPTE bid to Government Transport Innovation Fund for £2.7 billion Major development of public transport (£2382 M)+ introduction of congestion charge (£318 M) Aim to decrease congestion & pollution in city 80% of improvements in place by time charge introduced Commuting to/from Manchester in rush hour £5 per day Largest charging zone in the world June 2008. Bid approved Public referendum in 10 districts. Go ahead if 7/10 districts voted yes 79% of voters said no What are the ethical issues and dilemmas?

Manchester Congestion charge Environmental issues Manchester Congestion charge

Using case studies to promote ethical discussion Level 2 Using case studies to promote ethical discussion Increased discipline specific knowledge & training in ethical thinking Case study: Safety measures (Engineering) Practicalities Seminar: 20-25 students Reading: 5 min Group discussion: 15 min Plenary: 30 min

“Safety Measures” case study Engineering Ethics “Safety Measures” case study If you were Michael & in charge of making the decision about what to do next: What would you recommend that Chemco do? Give 3 reasons why this is the best course of action. Could you defend these ethically? Does it make a difference to your decision knowing that the school & houses nearby were built long after the chemical plant?

Resources for medical students Life cycle Year 3 – fully integrated module Continuum of change from conception to death, examining each vignette from point of view of basic science, clinical issues, social and cultural, legal and ethical. Topics include: Conception; Growth and Development; Aging; Management of Healthcare; Dying. Recognise the importance for good medicine of considering each clinical situation in the round, incorporating ethical factors into good decision making.

“Science & Society” Training Using role play in debates (level 3 & PG) Increase understanding of arguments for/against controversial topic in their discipline “Science & Society” training Generic debating skills Format Role play (for/anti or moderate/extreme for each side) 7 min presentation + 20 min defence of “cause” Links to information resources Pre-circulation of abstract Post debate personal reflections blog

“Science & Society” Training “Can vivisection be justified?” “Really constructive exercise, very thought provoking.  I found my personal view on animal testing has altered since researching the case for 'anti-vivs' - a viewpoint that I'd never really thought seriously about before.”  “Before, if offered the choice between a computer and a mouse disease model, I'd gone for the animal method straight away. Computer modeling was something a bit geeky - not for 'proper' scientists.  I am now slightly ashamed of this narrow-minded view and am much more open to at least trying alternative methodologies.”  

“Science & Society” Training “Can vivisection be justified?” Role play 4 groups 10 min to prepare 2 minute presentation 5 minutes to defend your cause

Application of ethical training Final Year project & PG dissertations Direct ethical & wider social implications para in discussion Collaborative learning via VLE discussion forum

How can the IDEA CETL help you integrate ethics within your discipline or Faculty Resources: online database & “critical thinking” package Staff training workshops Consultancy

Any Questions? Chris Megone: c.b.megone@leeds.ac.uk Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied A Centre for Excellence in Teaching & Learning Any Questions? Chris Megone: c.b.megone@leeds.ac.uk Dave Lewis: d.i.lewis@leeds.ac.uk