Research Attitude and Ethics - Conceptions of Engineering Students Eila Jeronen Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education, University of Oulu Eila.Jeronen@oulu.fi Esa Turpeinen Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu Esa.Turpeinen@oulu.fi Mika Huuhtanen Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu Mika.Huuhtanen@oulu.fi Jenni Ylä-Mella Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu Jenni.Yla-Mella@oulu.fi and Riitta L. Keiski Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu Riitta.Keiski@oulu.fi Abstract The aim of this qualitative case study is to clarify research attitudes and ethics conceptions of engineering students. A practical aim is to fulfill the goals set by the Bologna process for the researcher education in the Master’s level. A total of 64 students participated in the research methodology course in 2002-2005. According to the mixed methods approach, the resultant data is based on questionnaires, digital portfolios and study diaries and it was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively by using inductive and deductive content analysis methods. The interpretation is focused on the most typical and the most exceptional conceptions of the students. The students’ conceptions about research work and acting as a researcher were deepened both on the general and especially on the detailed, cognitive, affective and social levels during the course. The conceptions were broaden from ethical rules to the conceptions where ethics seemed to form a basis of thinking and acting both in research work and in every day life. Consequently, the students’ awareness about the importance of ethical principles was increased. The students expressed that ethical education, as a part of research course is useful because it helps them to achieve aims, to gather information, and to foster interest in research. However, it is impossible to draw any long-run conclusions, due to the results being based on a small number of students and the short length of the study period. To confirm whether there were real changes in students’ attitudes and conceptions, further research is needed. Keywords: Engineering education, ethical education, ethical awareness, researcher education.