Connecting Past with Present: A Mixed-Methods Science Ethics Course and its Evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Graduate science education
• Scientific ethics
• Research integrity

Background:

• Traditional science ethics education often lacks engagement.
• Connecting historical cases to current practices is crucial.
• Experiential learning enhances ethical understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an innovative graduate science ethics course.
• To foster a culture of devotion to science ethics.
• To measure the course's impact on students' ethical attitudes.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods delivery: films, debates, blogging, practicum.
• Interdisciplinary instruction: historian of science and research scientist.
• Experiential learning: historical role-playing and current research participation.

Main Results:

• Validated questionnaire demonstrated significant positive cultural change in students.
• Control groups indicated a need for similar ethical training.
• Quantitative findings were supported by qualitative outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The presented course effectively promotes ethical awareness and commitment.
• Experiential and mixed-methods approaches are key to successful science ethics education.
• The developed questionnaire is a valid tool for assessing ethical cultural change.