Scientific Research and Ethics course page
The course consists of three parts:
A. An online course (max. 5 weeks) covering general ethical topics applicable to all fields of research. This part of the course is shared by all Finnish universities. This part of the course is available in Finnish (only) in the Spring session and in English (only) in the Autumn session;
B. Field-specific lectures (6 h). Students must attend all lectures of at least one of the field-specific topics (1 – 3) listed below. This part of the course is available in English (only) in the Autumn session, and in Finnish (only) in the Spring session.
C. Data management lecture (2 h). This part of the course is available in English (only) in the Autumn session, and in Finnish (only) in the Spring session.
In order to pass this course, students must successfully complete parts A & B of the course either in a single semester, or within two consecutive semesters. It is recommended (but not obligatory) that the course be completed in the order A-B.
The online course (part A) can be found at https://findocnet.fi/ . Students can familiarize themselves with the online course material in advance (folder "Research Ethics" and within that "Research Ethics - Open Learning Course"). However, it is not possible to complete any tasks, or gain any credits, in this open learning environment outside of the formal course schedule for each semester. This can only be done in the Oulu University Research Ethics Course environment.
For Spring 2026 the Oulu University Research Ethics Course environment will be opened on March 9, 2026, and closes on March 31, 2026.
Students who have registered for the course will be sent an e-mail with instructions on how to access the Oulu University Research Ethics Course environment (part A). Please note that email will only be send to student.oulu.fi or oulu.fi email address found in Peppi.
Responsible teacher for the course: Jarmo Pulkkinen.
In the Spring 2026 course, the field-specific lectures (part B) may be followed either in the lecture room or via direct video link (see below for the address), or via a recorded video stream.
The schedule for field-specific lectures (obligatory “attendance” in all sessions of at least one of the following topics (1 – 3) is as follows:
1. Human sciences
All lectures online (in English)
- Jarmo Pulkkinen: 11.3.2026 at 12.15-14.00, SÄ105 (Zoom)
- Tiina Keisanen: 17.3.2026 at 14.15-16.00, SÄ105 (Zoom)
- Mervi Heikkinen: 19.3.2026 at 10.15-12.00, SÄ102 (Zoom)
2. Health and biosciences
Lecture rooms in Kontinkangas campus, all lectures also online (in English)
- Jouko Miettunen: 17.3.2026 at 10.15-12.00, P117 (Zoom)
- Riitta Veijola: 18.3.2026 at 14.15.-16.00, P117 (Zoom)
- Sakari Laaksonen: 24.3.2026 at 8.15-10.00, P117 (Zoom)
3. Technology, Natural Sciences and Environment
Lecture rooms in Linnanmaa campus, all lectures also online (in English)
- Aarne Mämmelä: 13.3.2026 at 9.15-12.00, PR101 (Zoom)
- Riitta Keiski: 26.3.2026 at 12.15-15.00, PR101 (Zoom)
The links to the recorded videos of each field-specific lecture will be sent to all students who have registered for the course a few days after each lecture.
Important: All students must ensure that they follow the email student.oulu.fi, which is in contact information in Peppi.
Optional (i.e. if needed/desired) consulting hours for the course (online):
- 9.3.2026 10.15 - 12.00 (Zoom)
- 10.3.2026 10.15 - 12.00 (Zoom)
- 16.3.2026 10.15 - 12.00 (Zoom)
Consulting hours do not include any lectures. They are intended for students in need of guidance with regard to the course in general. Students may also use e-mail (jarmo.pulkkinen@oulu.fi), if in need of guidance.