HPL-Based Ethics Education for Life Science and Bioengineering Students

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Life sciences and bioengineering students encounter challenging learning, practice, and research environments. Rapid developments in science and technology make change a constant factor in those environments. In this changing landscape, graduates entering careers in industry, the professions, or academia are likely to face ethical issues and challenges. This project is preparing students to recognize and address ethical issues in these careers and environments. It is building on the VaNTH Engineering Research Center?s research education program by employing a "How People Learn" (HPL) approach to develop didactic materials. The primary strategy being employed is the creation of case-based educational modules and related materials in life science ethics for use by graduate students. Materials are being developed largely for an interdisciplinary audience in bioengineering. The modules emphasize themes that are aligned to critical components of an effective ethical framework for the responsible conduct of research (RCR) as defined by HHS Office of Research Integrity (ORI). The project will assess the effects of these modules on students? knowledge of ethical standards and regulations, skills in ethical decision making, and ability to integrate ethical standards and principles in practice. After they are proven effective, modules will be disseminated for testing and use with the help of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and the Alliance for Engineering and Medicine and Biology (AEMB) student chapters to universities and professionals through a dedicated section of the Biomedical Engineering Society?s website, academic networks, and professional meetings.