Science in Action

Science in Action is a UPF course held at the PRBB and addresses issues in the responsible conduct of research and good scientific practice. The course consists of two parts: 1) SIX online modules and 2) A series of related discussion seminars. Students should complete all SIX online modules but register for FOUR discussion seminars only. The course is for registered postgraduate students in CEXS-UPF only.

online modules

discussion seminars

Case study and test
  1. Scientific integrity
  2. Data management
  3. Animal research
  4. Human research
  5. Conflict of interest
  6. Politics and practice of publication.
  • Case study an test

The purpose of this course is to enrich your thinking not to provide answers. The course aims to raise questions and to show that poor practice in science (as in most other areas of human endeavour) is not restricted to a few misfits but is an ever-present threat to all scientists.

Scientists today are overwhelmed with facts and theories, hypotheses and postulates. Competition for coveted positions is intense, and careers are made and lost on the basis of publications and papers. In this harsh territory where survival is difficult, learning about integrity, openess and honesty may seem a luxury. Equally these qualities may appear such common sense that busy scientists resist fogging their higher thought processes by paying them attention. Unfortunately the evidence supports this. Around the world, scientific institutes both large and small, illustrious and the less illustrious have fallen foul of sloppy, shoddy and dishonest behaviour amongst their researchers.

The public demands and deserves more from its knowledge seekers. Scientists should have not only excellent reasoning and analytical skills but must also apply the highest possible standards to their pursuit of scientific truth.

Each of themes covered in the course has a number of readings which can be downloaded as you work through the online modules. The themes covered are by no means exhaustive nor are the examples given fully representative. But we hope that they deliver a flavour of the complexity of the human side of knowledge production through the pursuit of excellent scientific practice.

Please feel free to give us any comments, criticisms and suggestions for improvement.


Jordi Camí and Elinor Thompson



All students registered on the doctoral programme of the UPF Department of Experimental and Health Sciences are expected to meet the Department's requirements for training in the responsible conduct of research and good scientific practice. In order to meet these requirements all students are required to attend the Science in Action course. In special cases, students may be exempt from pursuing a Science in Action course if they can show they have previously attended courses with similar content offered by other institutions. Students seeking exemption should submit proof of their previous studies in this area to the coordinator of the doctoral programme.