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 presents an examination of ethical issues relevant to systems-based research procedures, professional conduct, social and environmental impacts, and embedded ethics in research and professional practice in RESS based jobs. The course is comprised of 8 lessons divided into 7 modules and a final project. Lessons 1 and 2 provide a conceptual basis for engaging systems and professional ethics. Lessons 3 through 7 are case studies of ethical issues that can arise when engaging renewable energy and sustainability systems. Your final project will be to develop an ethics case study based on your area of RESS interests. The goals of the course are to provide you with tools for analyzing the ethical issues, both in the line of professional duties as well as in consideration of the various ethical issues that face an entire sector of renewable energy and that underpin the very reasons for taking a sustainable and renewable approach.
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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