CSU promotes outstanding research and scholarly activity performed in a manner that models ethical professional behavior. The university has a number of course listings that focus on Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and meet federal standards for providing trainees with formal ethics training.
- The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training cannot be substituted for Human Subjects Training required for individuals involved in Human Subjects Research or Laboratory Animal Use Training for individuals involved in the use of animals in their research.
If you would like assistance in developing an RCR course, contact the RCR Coordinator.
ANEQ 565 – Interpreting Animal Science Research
Spring. This graduate course offers an introduction to conducting and interpreting animal science research. Primary objectives of the course include acquiring the skills to design and conduct animal science research and to understand technical publications resulting from scientific study. Additionally, a section of this course will focus on core competencies of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and fulfill CSU’s face-to-face training requirement for trainees funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), and USDA–NIFA. 3 credit hour. View a syllabus
ATS 693 – Research in Atmospheric Science
Spring. The intent of this seminar-style course is to introduce graduate students and early career postdocs to the research process, the responsible conduct of research, and the MS and PhD degree processes in the Department of Atmospheric Science. Research topics will range from conceptual (developing research questions, time management) to practical (keeping research notebooks, laboratory safety) and ethical (data manipulation, intellectual property) considerations. This course is designed to satisfy federal agency requirements for face-to-face training in responsible conduct of research. 1 credit hour. View a syllabus
BC 360 – Responsible Conduct in Biochemical Research
**NOTE: BC360 is restricted to Biochemistry undergraduate students.
Fall Semester. The course is designed as an elective for upper division Biochemistry majors who are interested in research ethics and the responsible conduct of research (RCR). It is primarily targeted to students who are currently engaged in, or plan to engage in, undergraduate research opportunities, and/or for those students who are interested in graduate studies in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. Students who are not on a research track are also welcome to take the class. 1 credit hour. View a syllabus
BC 601 – Responsible Conduct in Biochemistry
Spring (every year). Design of experiments; error and fraud; publishing/grant application submission, scientific misconduct, classic examples of fraud, case studies. 1 credit hour. View a syllabus
CBE 693 – Chemical and Biological Engineering Seminar I
Fall. The intent of this seminar-style course is to introduce new graduate students and interested undergraduates to research, the PhD process, and the graduate chemical engineering program. Research topics will range from conceptual (developing research questions) to practical (keeping research notebooks, laboratory safety). This course may also be of interest to undergraduates considering a MS or PhD degree. This course is designed to satisfy federal agency requirements for training in responsible conduct of research. 1 credit hour. View a syllabus.
CHEM 601 – Responsible Conduct in Chemistry Research
Spring. Scientific misconduct, fraud, publishing and intellectual property, ethics of job hunting and negotiating, case studies, and social responsibility of scientists. 1 credit hour. View a syllabus.
CM 666 – Science and Ethics
Spring (odd years). Ethical issues of research on humans and animals; biosafety; fraud and deception in science; genetic engineering. 1 credit hour.
ERHS 573 – Design and Conduct of Epidemiological Research
Spring (every year). Research ethics, human research ethics, research misconduct, animal research ethics, IRB protocol procedures, team science, authorship, quantitative survey methods, qualitative survey methods, data collection / management, standard operating procedures for research, collection and management of biologic samples, community engaged research methods, global health research, decolonization, research dissemination. 2 credit hours.
FSHN 600 – Food Science and Human Nutrition: Responsible Conduct of Research
One credit, 8 week course reviewing CSU and federal policies of research integrity, ethical frameworks, use of human and animal subjects, data, publications and financial management. Each topic area will be introduced by special guest speakers followed by discussion of specific examples and case studies. This course will fulfill the RCR training requirements for grants awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF) and USDA-NIFA. View a syllabus
GEOL 601 – Professional Development for Geoscientists
Fall. The conduct of science, role of scientific publications, publication process, proposal writing, responsible conduct of research, and professional ethics. 1 credit hour. View a syllabus
GRAD 544 – Ethical Conduct of Research
Fall/Spring. This is a 1 credit course that will meet for 8 weeks, for 2 hours a session. You may enroll in the course through ARIES registration, or you may audit the course by contacting . The course will fulfill the RCR training requirements for grants awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes for Health (NIH), and USDA – NIFA. View a syllabus
GRAD/NSCI 575 – Ethical Issues in Big Data Research
This course explores ethical issues in big data research. It examines big data research through an applied interdisciplinary approach to ethical issues surrounding collection, use, reporting, and preservation of big data. In addition, we will discuss topics related to the responsible conduct of research. 1 credit hour. View a syllabus
HES 600 – Research Design
This class will discuss research and academic integrity, the responsible conduct of science, research & experimental design, an overview of basic and “scientific” writing skills, how to read/interpret scientific writing, and inferential statistics. 3 credit hour. View a syllabus
HDFS 550 – Research Methods II
Spring. Design and execution of research in Human Development and Family Studies; research proposal preparation; quantitative research design and considerations; responsible conduct of research. 3 credit hour. View a syllabus.
HORT 500 – Graduate Student Professional Development and Research Integrity
Spring (every year). Scientific communication, scientific method, mentoring, networking, data management, ethics and responsible conduct in research. 3 credit hours.
MIP 552- Social Impacts of Biomedical Research
Focus on the social impacts of biomedical research, including historical perspectives and inequities, changes that have promoted equity, and ongoing areas of concern. Topics include racism and colonization in biomedical research and social determinants of health. Examine research ethics/RCR through a social equity lens via analysis of diverse case studies. Develop action plans for promoting social equity in biomedical research in the future. View a syllabus
MIP 554- Research Policies and Regulations
Spring, Instructor Jeff Wilusz. Reviews CSU and federal policies, rules, and regulations on integrity, use of humans and animals, authorship, data, genetics, etc., using case studies. View attached syllabus.
MIP 654 – Research Policies and Regulations
The course is no longer offered under this number. The course is offered under MIP 554. However, if you took it in the past, it will count as your RCR requirement.
NR 502 – Intro to Natural Resource Research & Professionalism
Spring (odd years). Ethical issues of research on humans and animals; biosafety; fraud and deception in science; genetic engineering. 3 credit hour. View a syllabus
PHIL 666 – Science and Ethics
This graduate seminar offers an introduction to qualitative field research methods used in the social sciences. The course is designed to give you an overview of the logic of qualitative research, process of research design, major types of qualitative data collection methods, techniques of data analysis, and the responsible conduct of research. 3 credit hour. View a syllabus
SOC 610 – Methods of Qualitative Analysis
This graduate seminar offers a practice-oriented introduction to qualitative research methods in sociology. It is designed for students who have already been introduced to the logics of qualitative inquiry and are ready to deepen their methodological skills through sustained engagement with the research process. Central to the course is a “learn by doing” philosophy. You will not simply read about methods—you will do them. This means that much of your time will be spent thinking through qualitative method design choices, collecting and analyzing original data, reflecting on the messiness of fieldwork, and refining your approach through hands-on practice. Weekly assignments and in-class workshops are designed to help you advance your own qualitative projects while building core skills that are transferable across disciplines and research settings. The work of qualitative research is time-intensive, iterative, and often unpredictable—but in my experience it is also deeply rewarding. This course aims to equip you not only with methodological tools, but also with more confidence to understand how and when to use these tools—and adapt them—to your own work. View a syllabus
External links for more RCR training:
National Institutes of Health
Training Modules to Enhance Data Reproducibility
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Integrity in Scientific Research
University of New Hampshire
Responsible Conduct of Research
Need additional training in data analysis? CSU is now offering a Certificate in Data Analysis.