The purpose of this module is to allow students to appreciate the requirement for research integrity, the scope of research integrity, the principles of good research, and the many forms of research misconduct. This module allows students to appreciate the requirement for integrity and ethical practice in research. The module informs students on the European code of conduct for research integrity, and uses examples and discussion of research misconduct to foster good research practice. It informs students of current University procedures on research misconduct, and closely examines issues of appropriate research data and information collection and storage, research authorship and plagiarism.

The modules will consist of three activities: Activity 1 In this Activity students will review the 2011 ALLEA / ESF European code of conduct for research integrity, and other codes such as the 2010 Singapore statement. They will review some of the historical cases which have led to the code, and consider how adherence to the code could prevent future re-occurrence of such events. The final part of the activity will review how codes of conduct would impact upon their own research in UL. Using examples students will debate what is best practice, and how to deal with issues of misconduct. Activity 2 In this activity students will review the ethical principles underlying contemporary research. The activity will review the protection offered to participants by ethical guidelines. Reviewing some historical studies to highlight the value of ethical practice, the activity will then move on to consider ethical issues that arise in contemporary settings that have important implications for professional researchers. Activity 3 Presentation of contemporary cases identified as part of coursework requirements for this course. Students should present the case they have identified and discuss the ethical implications of the case. Students should attempt to identify all of the ethical issues that arise and consider and pay particular attention to the systems and practices that may have given rise to the case. Discussion of the cases in class will focus on the safeguards that could be put in place to protect participants and researchers in each case.

• Exhibit a detailed knowledge of research integrity and ethical conduct of research. • Demonstrate familiarity with the European code of conduct on research integrity. • Demonstrate familiarity with the Irish University Association code on research integrity, and be familiar with the process for reporting and investigating alleged research misconduct in Irish Universities. • Identify and evaluate research misconduct. • Provide examples of research misconduct, and appreciate how these have damaged the reputation of researchers.

• Appreciate the requirement for honesty, reliability, objectivity, impartiality, communication, duty of care, fairness and responsibility in research practice. • Develop and maintain appropriate integrity and ethical conduct in the conduct of research.

Students are required to identify a historical or contemporary case that raises ethical issues. Students should present the case in groups (if they wish) and discuss the ethical issues that arise in their class presentation, encouraging their colleagues to engage in debate as much as possible. Class presentation will comprise 50% of the coursework mark and the written coursework the other 50%. A 500 word report of the case, the issues that arise and the potential safeguards that could work to prevent re-occurrence of cases of a similar nature should be submitted via Turnitin.