Document Type

Dissertation - University Access Only

Award Date

2012

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department / School

Biology and Microbiology

First Advisor

Diane Holland Rickerl

Abstract

Ethics is becoming a more important issue in education. Many disciplines have already incorporated ethics into their curriculum, such as engineering, social work and healthcare. However, an ethics component is often absent in the biological sciences education curriculum. As the world becomes more interconnected with the increasing use of technology and global collaborations, people are increasing their interaction with other cultures. The increasing use of online education and global collaboration coupled with the lack of ethics in biological sciences curriculum suggest a need to integrate V culture into ethics education for scientists. This study examines the importance of culture in education for scientists in four rural institutions of higher education in the Midwest United States and Bolivia. This study was conducted qualitatively utilizing triangulation methodology including document reviews, one-on-one interviews and focus group interviews with administration, faculty and students from each of the institutions. Participants from the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines were sought. Common themes and differences were identified and compared intra-institutional and inter-institutional. This research supports the need for ethics education for scientists. As our future scientists continue to interact globally they must be prepared with the skills to recognize, reason through and accept responsibility for ethical decisions.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Science -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Study and teaching (Higher)
Cultural Awareness
Multicultural education

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright