Association for Biology Laboratory Education

Teaching Bioethics and Professional Conduct Through Problem-Based Learning
 



Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2010, Volume 31

Johnson, A. D., A. M. Lambros, A. M. Peiffer, M. Tytell, J. C. Eldridge, & N. L. Jones

Abstract

Many federal agencies require graduate students, post–doctoral fellows, and undergraduates receive Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training. An effective program teaches functional ethical decision-making skills students can use when there are no formal rules. Instructors can provide effective RCR/professional ethics training using Problem-Based Learning (PBL). We developed a course that leads students through cases highlighting specific professional conduct issues they likely will face in their own career. By selecting different cases, the course can be adapted to meet the learning goals and suit the interests of a wide variety of audiences, from nonmajors to graduate students.

Keywords:  bioethics

University of Delaware (2009)