Life Science Ethics
Transforming human society
Ethics education in the life sciences
Through deeper understanding of the life sciences – from genomics to cells, organisms, species, and ecosystems – and emerging biotechnologies, the life sciences will fundamentally transform human society in the twenty-first century and beyond. Grappling with the ethical and humanistic dimensions of biology is vital to direct this transformative potential to benefit individuals, society and the world.
The program cultivates a culture in the School of Life Sciences that contributes to ASU’s commitment to “advancing research and discovery of public value” and “transforming society” as laid out in the university’s charter and design aspirations. Students, faculty, and staff in our school have unique opportunities to explore the societal and ethical implications of life sciences research and education.
Breakfast Club
Defining Psychiatric Disorders
Facilitators: James Dennert and Jason Robert
Wednesday, Sep 18, 2024
9 - 10 a.m.
Tempe Campus, LSC 202
For more information contact
Karin Ellison
Life Science Ethics Program
Karin.Ellison@asu.edu
Indigenous Science and Research Methodologies
Facilitators: Leke Hutchins, Kānaka Maoli, Krystal Tsosie and Diné Nation
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024
9 - 10 a.m.
Tempe Campus, LSC 202
For more information contact
Karin Ellison
Life Science Ethics Program
Karin.Ellison@asu.edu
Neuralink: Are we all-in for a cyborg future?
Facilitators: Bradley Greger, Katina Michael and Stephen Helms Tillery
Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024
9 - 10 a.m.
Tempe Campus, LSE 244
For more information contact
Karin Ellison
Life Science Ethics Program
Karin.Ellison@asu.edu
Movie night
Three Identical Strangers (Spring 2024)
Hosts:
Karin Ellison, Director, Life Science Ethics Program
Naveen Kumar and Matthew Torel, Officers, Medical Ethics Club
Day: Monday, April 15
5 - 8:00 p.m
Biodesign Auditorium
For more information contact
Karin Ellison
Life Science Ethics Program
Karin.Ellison@asu.edu
Ethics courses
Embedded Ethics
The program supports the school’s faculty incorporating ethics in courses, curriculum, and degree programs. Undergraduates begin exploring the ethical and social dimensions of biology in Introduction Biology with short modules on fundamental questions raised by scholars in these fields and an environmental ethics lab. Graduate students engage in conversations with peers on professional standards for researchers in BIO 610: “Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research in the Life Sciences.”
Undergraduate Courses
The SOLS Faculty offer a robust set of ethics courses both in-person and online. Regular classes include:
BIO 311: “Biology and Society” (3)
BIO 312: "Bioethics" (3)
BIO 324: "Environmental Ethics" (3)
BIO 416/HPS 410: "Biomedical Research Ethics" (3)
Graduate Courses
The SOLS Faculty offer a robust set of graduate ethics courses. Regular classes include:
BIO 527: "Environmental Ethics & Policy Goals" (3)
BIO 598: “Big Data in Context: Ethics, Policy, History and Philosophy (1)
BIO 598: “Neuroscience, Ethics & the Law” (2)
BIO 598: "Advanced Topics in Bioethics" (3)
BIO 610: "Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research" (1)
BIO 611: "Advanced Topics in Responsible Conduct of Research" (1)
Faculty resources
Research
Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research Training
ASU fulfills NSF’s requirement for responsible and ethical research training through career-stage specific training requirements.[1]
Environmental Health and Safety Training
Cathie Mancini, Manager for Safety Support Services in SOLS, is the SOLS go to person for understanding ASU’s Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) program. In addition to working with Cathie, you can connect to EH&S through their web pages. EH&S has an extensive set of training courses[2] on topics ranging from general safety to lab safety to job-specific courses. Or, use their Training Determination Tool[3] for recommendations.
Ethics and Compliance Contacts
As you set up your research program at ASU, a variety of offices in SOLS, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and ASU broadly support ethical and responsible research. Here’s an overview of offices[4] by topic and their information.
Graduate students
For many questions about SOLS graduate programs and graduate students, the SOLS Graduate Office[5] is the go-to resource. Additionally, see:
Mentoring Compact
SOLS requires graduate students and their primary advisors to set clear expectations for working together by completing a mentoring compact[6].
BIO 610: “Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research in the Life Sciences”
BIO 610[7] provides students an overview of research ethics and is required for students in many of SOLS graduate programs. MS students take it online; PhD students have an in-person section.
Courses
Academic integrity
SOLS Undergraduate Programs[8] supports faculty addressing violations of ASU’s Academic Integrity Policy with students. Policy information is posted by the Provost’s Office[9], the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences[10], and the Graduate College[11].
Research on training
Research on courses intended to be published or presented outside ASU may involve human subjects research and need to be approved by ASU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB)[12]. Resources for getting started include: submission instructions[13], walkthrough videos[14] and a Study Submission Guide.[15]
