511-0010-00L  Scientific Concepts and Methods

SemesterSpring Semester 2019
LecturersE. Kut Bacs, V. I. Otto, N. Sieroka
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentOnly for MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences.


AbstractThe module is an introductory course fostering critical thinking about scientific concepts and methods in the natural sciences, particularly in pharmaceutical and biomedical research.
ObjectiveStudents
• have the ability to explain and reflect upon core themes in philosophy of science and cutting edge methods that are relevant in modern pharmaceutical and biomedical research.
• are able to explain the role experiments, models, images, and quantifications play in the formation of a theory, and the constitution and illustration of a scientific fact.
• are able to actively engage in a critical discussion about scientific concepts, methods and approaches in the field of biomedical research and philosophy of science.
• are able to critically evaluate the basic scientific assumptions, concepts and approaches underlying their own research project.
• have learned how to “closely read” and analyse a scientific paper and are able to present their paper analysis to an audience that is not expert in the research field.
ContentThis course is part of the ETH "Critical Thinking" initiative.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course is best suited for students who have recently performed a research project of their own.