1 GRADUATE COUNCIL MEETING 9 May 2012 102 Kern Graduate ...

2 of 5 4/30/2012 2:25 PM
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research and avoidance of conflict of interest. Case studies and assigned reading will highlight ethical dilemmas
that can arise and differentiate pathological research (honest research that has been compromised by improper use
of the scientific method) from research fraud. Academic, government, and industrial career paths will be compared
and contrasted which will help students formulate a career pathway for themselves and identify/achieve milestones
along that path. Reading and annecdote will identify need for continuing education and professional development.
Research methodology and the process of scientific publication and patents will be highlighted.
The name(s) of the faculty member(s) responsible for the development of the course
Erwin A. Vogler, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Bioengineering.
Justification Statement
Instructional, Educational, and Course Objectives
At the end of this course, students will understand the six basic issues to consider in the responsible conduct of
research including research methodology, data management, statistics, collaborative research, publications and
intellectual property. Students will also be exposed to the origin of ethics and the prosocial outcome of ethical
behavior. Scientific career pathways will be compared and contrasted which will enable students to formulate their
own career path.
Evaluation Methods
This course will use the Pass/Fail grading system. The justification for the Pass/Fail grading system is that the
content of the course is highly focused on (1) transmitting the basic SARI ethics (with a little general introduction
to ethics) and (2) career planning (supplemented with discussion of career/employment options, environment,
planning; supported by guest industrial lecturers).
We have received APPROVAL from the Dean of the Graduate School:
I am approving the request to offer MatSE 582 on a Pass/Fail basis.
Jean Vasilatos-Younken
Relationship/Linkage of Course to Other Courses
No relationship/linkage to other courses.
Relationship of Course to Major, Option, Minor, or General Education
Materials Science and Engineering Professional Development is a required course for M.S. and Ph.D. students in
the Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Materials Science and Engineering. The course fulfills the five hours
of discussion-based ethics training required by Penn State's Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) program.
A description of any special facilities
N/A
Frequency of Offering and Enrollment
Spring semesters limited to 30 students.
Effective Date: 1/9/2012, Spring 2012
Consultation Summary/Response:
= Concur/Approval = Non-Concur/Rejected
= Pending Action(s) = Awaiting Review
(#) = Review Order = Comment Response Required
Required Signatories