1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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 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?

8. Manchester Congestion charge
Environmental issues
Manchester Congestion charge

9. 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: students
Reading: 5 min
Group discussion: 15 min
Plenary: 30 min

10. “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?

11. 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.

12. “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

13. “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.”  

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

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

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

17. 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:
Dave Lewis: