Research Ethics Education

Research Ethics Education

There are many options available for students, faculty and staff to learn about research ethics and making requests for REB clearance:

In-Class

Instructors are encouraged to share some key information with their students focusing on core research ethics principles, the importance of informed consent and researchers delivering promises made to research participants using these presentation materials: Ethics in Research with Humans.

Applicants are encouraged ask their questions and seek consultation with their prepared draft documents at the Office of Research Ethics, Atrium 202 before their initial review submissions and throughout the life cycle of their research studies.  Drop-in/Consultation office hours are Tuesday/Thursdays 10 am - 12 pm.

Graduate Students

The annual Graduate Student Orientation includes a presentation covering research ethics.  Please refer to the Graduate Studies Orientation Handbook, Sections 7.0-7.6 for information on the SMU Research Ethics Board's requirements.  If you have any questions, please call or visit the Office of Research Ethics (ethics@smu.ca, 420-5728, Atrium 202).  Drop-in/Consultation office hours are Tuesday/Thursdays 10 am - 12 pm.

New Faculty

The annual New Faculty Orientation includes a presentation covering research ethics. Please refer to your New Faculty Orientation Handbook, Sections 10.0-10.6 for information on the SMU Research Ethics Board's requirements.  If you have any questions, please call or visit the Office of Research Ethics (ethics@smu.ca, 420-5728, Atrium 202).  Drop-in/Consultation office hours are Tuesday/Thursdays 10 am - 12 pm.

Supervisors and research students complete the online Course on Research Ethics (CORE) tutorial as part of course or supervisory requirement.  The Office of Research Ethics has a number of the course packs of "CORE" available to loan to faculty members who are working on their curriculums and to help with time management and familiarization of the content at the onset, as well as consults on its method of teaching.  The Research Ethics Officer routinely works with faculty members to create a fitting session.  Please contact or drop by the Office of Research Ethics to obtain your copy when needed and for a relating consultation.

Faculty Council

Faculty council meetings include an overview on current events, education and challenges surrounding research ethics and the SMU research community.  Please contact the Research Ethics Officer for an update and to provide feedback at any time.

Online Tutorial

The purpose of the online tutorial Course on Research Ethics (CORE) for the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2) is to help educate the research community about the principles, standards and procedures for governing research involving human participants.  It also facilitates the use, interpretation and implementation of the TCPS 2.

CORE provides an applied approach to the guidance provided in TCPS 2.  This self-paced 10 Module course is a media-rich learning experience that features interactive exercises and multi-disciplinary examples.  It is designed primarily for the use of researchers and REB members, though anyone may take this course and print their own Certificate of Completion.

Who should do the tutorial?

• Researchers
• Supervisors of Research
• Research Ethics Board (REB) members and Administrators
• Research Administrators
• Students who may undertake research involving humans in the future
• Faculty members who may supervise student research in the future
• Actual or potential participants of research
• Members of the general public
• Policy Analysts

SMU Research Ethics Board Website

The Research Ethics Board's website is continuously updated with guidance and the research community's Frequently Asked Questions. 

Office of Research Ethics

For guidance, please call or visit the Office of Research Ethics, located in the Atrium Building, Room 202 (ethics@smu.ca, 420-5728). Drop-in/Consultation office hours are Tuesday/Thursdays 10 am to 12 pm.