BIOET 533 - Ethical Dimensions of Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
This course will provide students with an understanding of the ethical dimensions of renewable energy and sustainability systems and with skills to analyze related case studies. Case studies that will be considered are grounded in topics relevant to the sourcing and generation of energy across political-economic development contexts, including the use of sustainability indicators. Energy related topics include everything from traditional fossil fuels to renewables such as wind, solar, and biofuels. Students study responsible conduct of research (RCR) and professional ethics, in the commercial and academic context of applications in the area of renewable energy and sustainability systems, as well as examine the ethical dimensions of broader public and environmental impacts, and embedded values in research and analysis in this field. The course will provide for ethical analyses of knowledge generation and communication issues such as: selection of research questions; selection of datasets and parameters; determination of system boundaries; procedural considerations in decision making processes; methods of analysis; risk assessments and communication; influence of scientific research on policy outcomes; and, how to critically evaluate the use of scientific evidence and expertise when making and communicating arguments. Some lessons/modules will focus more on ethical issues encountered in practice, while other modules will provide examples that will impact overall ethical literacy and awareness of social and ethical impacts relevant to renewable energy and sustainability systems research and its numerous applications.
Objectives
Students who excel in this course are able to:
- demonstrate comprehension of concepts and apply methods for revealing ethical issues to relevant stakeholders;
- locate and interpret scholarly and professional ethical responsibilities; and
- give reasons for various ethical standpoints in a renewable energy and/or sustainability project.
Required Materials
Typically, there are no required materials for this course. If this changes, students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Prerequisites
None.
Expectations
We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. How much and how well you learn is dependent on your attitude, diligence, and willingness to ask for clarifications or help when you need them. We are here to help you succeed. Please keep up with the class schedule and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with us and with your fellow students. You can expect to spend an average of 8 - 12 hours per week on class work.
Major Assignments
- 6 Lesson Assignments (55% of total course grade)
- 7 Discussion Forums (6% of total course grade)
- 1 SARI (Scholarship and Research Integrity) CITI Based RCR Training Module Completion (9% of total course grade)
- 1 Final Project Case Study and Critical Feedback to another student (30% of total course grade)
Course Schedule
| Lesson | Week | Topic | Assignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Ethical Dimensions of Systems Research |
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| 2 | 2 | Professional and Research Integrity |
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| 3 | 3 | Renewable Energy and Climate Change |
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| 4 | 4 | Biofuels |
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| 4 | 5 | Biofuels cont. |
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| 5 | 6 | Solar Energy from Photovoltaics |
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| 5 | 7 | Solar Energy from Photovoltaics, cont. |
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| 6 | 8 | Drilling Impacts of Shale Gas |
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| 6 | 9 | Drilling Impacts of Shale Gas |
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| 7 | 10 | Sustainability Systems Indicators |
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| F | 11 | Final Project and Peer Review |
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| F | 12 | Final Project and Peer Review |
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