Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) Debate

PROMPT
To prepare for this discussion, you will read two articles and watch a brief video about a situation in which a scientific journal requested that the authors of an article redact information that could potentially threaten national security. Some scientists believed that such information should be kept confidential, but not all scientists agreed. What do you think?

This discussion will allow you to analyze the ethical issues of a real-world case with your colleagues and practice assessing a field case that involves both health research and national security.

Scientists Keep Bird Flu Strain Secret

Citation: Al Jazeera English (2011, December 22). Scientists keep bird flu strain secret [Video]. YouTube. <link is hidden> />
How Much Should the Public Be Told About Research Into Risky VirusesLinks to an external site.
Pages 1 & 3-4: West Fertilizer Explosion & Fire

This web article explores in more depth the topic of banned scientific research and includes a related 3-minute podcast.

Citation: Greenfieldboyce, N. (2021, January 21). How much should the public be told about research into risky viruses? National Public Radio. <link is hidden> />
Flu Research Once Banned Because It Was Deemed Too Dangerous is Set to ResumeLinks to an external site.
This web article is a brief overview of the topic of scientific research that is banned due to public safety and security.

Wright, P. (2019, November 13). Flu research once banned because it was deemed too dangerous is set to resume. <link is hidden> />
Discussion
Review the materials above and select a position below. State your position and justify your decision using supporting evidence from the resources or additional resources from the UTA Library. (300-500 words)

Government Should Tell the Public About How DURC is Conducted Government Should Not Tell the Public About How DURC is Conducted
Why should the public & other researchers know how the research was conducted?
What are the negative consequences if scientists don’t reveal their research methods and results?
What are the implications of your decision? What are the implications of not following your decision?
Why should the public and other researchers not know how the research was conducted?
What are the negative consequences if scientists do reveal their research methods and results?
What are the implications of your decision? What are the implications of not following your decision?
3. Peer Replies (100 words each)

You should complete two peer replies reflecting and responding to your classmate’s positions. Do you agree or disagree with their positions/concerns/arguments? Support your posts with evidence from the resources.

GUIDELINES
Your initial response should be at least 300 words and no more than 500 words.
Reply to at least two classmates’ posts. Your response to your classmate’s discussion should be at least 100 words (each) and add new content to the discussion.
You must cite two academic or professional sources in APA format for your initial post. Each peer response should be supported with one reference.
Posts cannot be edited once submitted. Be sure to review carefully before submission.
Students may not view other students’ posts before their initial submission. Posting an incomplete or blank post to ‘unlock’ the discussion board will result in a zero on the discussion board.
Review the rubric for details on the grading criteria.BSPH Discussion Board Rubric
BSPH Discussion Board Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCritical Analysis and Structure
25 pts
A-Level
Post demonstrates evidence of excellent critical analysis and understanding of the required readings and underlying concepts including correct use of terminology. Initial post meets the 300-word minimum length requirement and does not exceed 500 words. Each prompt has at least one well-developed paragraph with 3-8 sentences each.
20 pts
B-Level
Post demonstrates an above-average critical analysis and understanding of the required readings and underlying concepts including correct use of terminology. Initial post meets 300-word minimum length requirement but may exceed 500 words. Each prompt has one well-developed paragraph with 3-8 sentences each.
15 pts
C-Level
Post repeats and summarizes basic, correct information, or does not link readings, relevant research or specific real-life application and does not consider alternative perspectives or connections between ideas. Information delivered is limited. Initial post meets 300-word minimum length requirement but may exceed 500 words. Each prompt does not have at least one well-developed paragraph with 3-8 sentences each.
10 pts
D-Level
Post demonstrates little or no evidence that readings were completed or understood. Initial post is largely personal opinions or feelings and are not supported by references or evidence-based material from readings, outside resources, relevant research, etc. Initial post does not meet 300-word minimum length requirement. Each prompt does not have at least one well-developed paragraph with 3-8 sentences each.
5 pts
F-Level
Participant was rude or abusive to other course participants. In this case, the number and quality of other posts is irrelevant. OR Participant failed to meet the basic criteria for the “D Discussion”. OR Participant violates the UTA Honor Code through plagiaristic actions such as copying and pasting from other sources.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse of Evidence-Based Resources
10 pts
A-B-Level
Initial post integrates TWO evidence-based resources, relevant research articles, etc. to support important points in a clear, concise and professional manner. Quotes are cited appropriately. No more than 10% of the posting is a direct quotation.
5 pts
C-Level
Initial post integrates ONE evidence-based resource, relevant research article, etc. to support important points in a somewhat clear, concise and professional manner. Quotes are cited appropriately. No more than 20% of the posting is a direct quotation.
0 pts
F-Level
Posting does not demonstrate an effort was made to integrate an evidence-based resource, relevant research article, etc. to support important points. Quotes lack citations or more than 40% of the posting is a direct quotation.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCiting and References
10 pts
A-Level
References and in-text citations are provided in APA format with no errors.
8 pts
B-Level
References and in-text citations are provided in APA format with 1-2 errors.
6 pts
C-Level
References and in-text citations are provided in APA format with 3-4 errors.
4 pts
D-Level
References and in-text citations are provided in APA format with 5-6 errors.
2 pts
F-Level
References and in-text citations are provided in APA format with 7 errors. Or references are not provided.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePeer Responses
25 pts
A-Level
Responds to TWO peers engaging and expanding or questioning the original post. Each peer response meets minimum 100-word requirement. Each peer response includes at least ONE reference. Written interactions on the discussion board show respect for viewpoints of others.
21 pts
B-Level
Responds to TWO peers engaging and expanding or questioning the original post. Only one response meets 100-word minimum requirement or includes at least ONE reference. Written interactions on the discussion board show respect for viewpoints of others.
17 pts
C-Level
Responds to TWO peers engaging and expanding or questioning the original post. Neither response meets 100-word minimum requirement OR includes at least ONE reference. Written interactions on the discussion board show respect for viewpoints of others.
13 pts
D-Level
Responds to ONE peer engaging and expanding or questioning the original post. Meets the 100-word minimum requirement and includes ONE reference. Written interactions on the discussion board show respect for viewpoints of others.
9 pts
D-Level
Responds to ONE peer engaging and expanding or questioning the original post. Does not meet 100-word minimum requirement or does not include at least ONE reference. Written interactions on the discussion board show respect for viewpoints of others.
0 pts
F-Level
Does not respond to any other student posts. Written interactions on the discussion board show disrespect for the viewpoints of others.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar & Writing
10 pts
A-Level
Written responses are free of grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. The style of writing facilitates communication.
8 pts
B-Level
Written responses are largely free of grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors (1-2 errors). The style of writing facilitates communication.
6 pts
C-Level
Written responses include some (3-4) grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors that distract the reader but the style of writing facilitates communication.
4 pts
D-Level
Written responses include some (5-6) grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors that distract the reader. The style of writing does not facilitate effective communication. Please contact the Writing Center for writing support.
2 pts
F-Level
Written responses contain 7 grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. The style of writing does not facilitate effective communication. Please contact the Writing Center for writing support.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTimeliness
20 pts
A-Level
Submits initial post by Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. CST Comments to classmates by Saturday night 11:59 p.m. CST
15 pts
B-Level
Submits initial post by Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. CST. Comments to classmates by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. CST. Or does not complete peer responses.
10 pts
C-Level
Submits initial post by Saturday 11:59 p.m. CST. Comments to classmates by Saturday at 11:59 p.m. CST. Or does not complete peer responses.
5 pts
F-Level
Submits initial post and comments to classmates by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. CST. Or does not complete peer responses
20 pts
Total Points: 100
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