ETHICS IN BIOLOGY SYLLABUS
FALL 2018

DEPARTMENT: Biology                                                                                                            
COURSE NUMBER:  BIO 308
CREDIT HOURS: 3.0

Professor:  Dr. Terry L. Derting
                   Biology Bldg. 1119; Phone: 809-6327
Class Meetings:  M 5:30-6:20 pm; W 4:30 - 6:20
E-mail:  tderting@murraystate.edu
Web address: http://campus.murraystate.edu/academic/faculty/tderting/derting.htm
Office Hours:  To ensure uninterrupted and adequate time I highly recommend that you schedule a time slot with me within (or sometimes outside of) scheduled office hours.

I.  TITLE:   Ethics in Biology

II.  COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITE(S):
             A comprehensive study of current ethical issues in biology, including topics in genetics and biotechnology, reproductive technology, species conservation, use of natural resources,  and medicine and human/nonhuman interests.  Understanding and application of value choices and ethics is emphasized.  (3 hours of lecture/discussion) Prerequisites - Completion of two semesters of undergraduate laboratory science.

III.  COURSE OBJECTIVES:

You shall be able to:

A.  identify and analyze ethical issues in biology,
B.  understand that science is filled with ethical judgments,
C.  learn and apply formal ethical principles,
D.  learn the professional standards that govern the practice of biology and decision making,
E.  recognize differing priorities and to balance them when designing solutions to complex ethical problems,
F.  identify impacts of current and historical cultural and societal norms on bioethical issues and their resolution, and
G.  demonstrate understanding and critical evaluation of ethical issues in biology through writing and discussion.

IV.  CONTENT OUTLINE:
            Throughout the course we will critically evaluate readings from our text book (see below) and a variety of other sources. The text book was carefully selected to cover ethics that relate directly and indirectly to humans and nonhumans. The chapters will provide you with exposure to, and an understanding of, several ethical paradigms. We will also discuss a variety of controversial biological issues. For each issue, relevant ethics and principles will be identified and alternative viewpoints regarding solution of the issue will be discussed and critically evaluated.

V.  INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
        All information pertaining to the course (syllabus, assignments, etc.) will be posted on Canvas.  Make sure that you become familiar with all components of Canvas at the beginning of the semester.

Ethics in biology, or bioethics, is a subject that is best learned through debate and discussion. As such, this course will be based largely on student-led discussions. Every two weeks we will study a major bioethical issue. Groups of students will take turns leading discussions that are related to the bioethical issues. As discussion leaders, it is your group’s responsibility (i) to search out scientific and objective information regarding the topic that you are presenting, (ii) to introduce thought-provoking questions, and (iii) to keep fellow classmates engaged in the topic at hand. Your presentation should introduce the topic objectively—you should not use this time to persuade others of your personal opinion on the subject. A grading rubric will be provided to help guide your preparation. All evaluations of the discussion leader MUST be objective—under no circumstances will anyone be graded on their opinions.

It is essential that every student participate in each class discussion. Expression of your thoughts, even if redundant with views expressed by another student, is important. Make every effort to be a thoughtful and vocal participant in class. I will make every effort to let all students be heard, which might mean that I selectively call on people who have not yet spoken during a class period.

In addition to discussions, there will be quizzes or problem sets based on the readings assigned. We may also have some in-class activities that can earn you points toward your final grade. If you are not in class (for whatever reason), these points cannot be completed outside of class. You will be allowed to drop one zero for an in-class activity if you are absent during the semester. There will be 3 exams throughout the semester. Exams will be given in class on paper or using LockDown Browser. Each exam will include a variety of question formats including short answer and essay questions.

VI.  FIELD, CLINICAL, AND/OR LABORATORY EXPERIENCES:  None

VII.  TEXT AND RESOURCES:
        Pierce, J. and Randals, G. 2010. Contemporary Bioethics: A Reader with Cases. Oxford University Press. 722 pp. Other resource materials will be provided either in hardcopy or         digitally via Canvas (details to follow).

        You must have access to videos through whatever access you choose (e.g., YouTube, Netflix, Amazon rental, local library, etc.). A tentative list of the videos we may use is below.

         For some assessments and class activities you will need to bring a laptop to class. Make sure that it is suitable for using Canvas and Repondus LockDown Browser.

VIII.  EVALUATION AND GRADING PROCEDURES:
             Grades for all components of the course are assigned as follows:

             90 - 100     A - unusual ability and distinctive performance
             80 - 89       B - articulate, above average performance
             70 - 79       C - satisfactory performance
             60 - 69       D - passing work, below standard
             < 60           E - work not acceptable for passing credit

          Grades are based on the following percentages:

             Presentations (n=2)                                         30%
             Exams (n=3)                                                   30%
             Quizzes on readings/Problem sets                    18%
             Participation, critiques, and other                     22%
                                                                                     _____
                                                                                    100%

Rubrics posted on Canvas will be used to grade some assignments. Make sure that you read any posted rubric when doing an assignment.

If you have a question about a grade assigned during a particular week, you must raise that question within a week of receipt of the grade. You are expected to actively participate in all discussions. Cooperative work among students is strongly encouraged, particularly when you are in charge of preparing and conducting a discussion session. All assignments must be turned in by the assigned due date. The only exception to this is in the event of a medical or other emergency (see MSU Undergraduate Catalog). Written documentation must be provided as evidence of such an emergency. Late assignments will be penalized 10% per day late.

Use of cell phones and other mobile devices: You are not permitted to use any mobile device without permission during class. Doing so will result in the loss of in-class discussion/activity points for that week. If the problem persists, you may be dismissed from the class—losing any other points for that day. Be respectful of your peers and your instructor. Any disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

IX.  ATTENDANCE POLICY:
             Students are expected to attend all scheduled course activities. If you miss a class, you will not receive credit for any in-class activities or quizzes for that class session.

X.  ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:
             Murray State University takes seriously its moral and educational obligation to maintain high standards of academic honesty and ethical behavior. Instructors are expected to evaluate students’ academic achievements accurately, as well as ascertain that work submitted by students is authentic and the result of their own efforts, and consistent with established academic standards. Students are obligated to respect and abide by the basic standards of personal and professional integrity.

            Violations of Academic Honesty include:
            Cheating - Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized information such as books, notes, study aids, or other electronic, online, or digital devices in any academic exercise; as well as unauthorized com­munication of information by any means to or from others during any academic exercise.
            Fabrication and Falsification - Intentional alteration or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. Falsification involves changing information whereas fabrication involves inventing or counterfeiting information.
            Multiple Submission - The submission of substantial portions of the same academic work, including oral reports, for credit more than once without authorization from the instructor.
            Plagiarism - Intentionally or knowingly representing the words, ideas, creative work, or data of someone else as one’s own in any academic exercise, without due and proper acknowledgement.
Instructors should outline their expectations that may go beyond the scope of this policy at the beginning of each course and identify such expectations and restrictions in the course syllabus. When an instructor receives evidence, either directly or indirectly, of academic dishonesty, he or she should investigate the instance. The faculty member should then take ap­propriate disciplinary action.

            Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to the following:
            1) Requiring the student(s) to repeat the exercise or do additional related exercise(s).
            2) Lowering the grade or failing the student(s) on the particular exercise(s) involved.
            3) Lowering the grade or failing the student(s) in the course.
            If the disciplinary action results in the awarding of a grade of E in the course, the student(s) may not drop the course.

Faculty reserve the right to invalidate any exercise or other evaluative measures if substantial evidence exists that the integ­rity of the exercise has been compromised. Faculty also reserve the right to document in the course syllabi further academic honesty policy elements related to the individual disciplines.

A student may appeal the decision of the faculty member with the department chair in writing within five working days. Note: If, at any point in this process, the student alleges that actions have taken place that may be in violation of the Murray State University Non-Discrimination Statement, this process must be suspended and the matter be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity. Any appeal will be forwarded to the appropriate university committee as determined by the Provost.

XI.  NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
      Murray State University endorses the intent of all federal and state laws created to prohibit discrimination. Murray State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability in employment or application for employment, admissions, or the provision of services and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities equal access to participate in all programs and activities.

In particular and without limiting the preceding and pursuant to and consistent with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its regulations 34 CFR 100 et seq.; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its regulations 34 CFR 104; Title IX of the Education Amendments  of 1972, 20 USC 1681 et seq., and its regulations 34 CFR 106 et seq; and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and its regulations 34 CFR 110, Murray State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its educational programs and activities.  This non-discrimination in education programs and activities extends to employment and admissions and to recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, student services, athletics, and housing. Murray State is required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex and the prohibition against sex discrimination specifically includes a prohibition of sexual harassment and sexual violence.

For information regarding nondiscrimination policies contact the Executive Director of IDEA/Title IX Coordinator, Camisha Duffy, Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Access, 103 Wells Hall, Murray, KY 42071. Telephone: 270-809-3155 (Voice) 270-809- 3361 (TDD).

Students with Disabilities: Students requiring special assistance due to a disability (temporary or permanent) should visit the Office of Student Disability Services immediately for assistance with accommodations. For more information, students with disabilities should contact the Office of Student Disability Services, Ken Ashlock, 423 Wells Hall, Murray, KY 42071. Telephone: 270-809-2018 (Voice) 270-809- 5889 (TDD).

XII.  OTHER REQUIRED DEPARTMENTAL OR COLLEGIATE COMMITTEE INFORMATION