Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.

70% portfolio (includes further research and response to specific questions) (1,2,3)

30% time constrained (1.5 hours) case analysis (1,2)

Detailed information on portfolio construction and case analysis, including assessment criteria, are provided in the module handbook.
An opportunity for formative feedback on the portfolio will be provided.

You will be referred to scientific journals, texts and other sources of information throughout the module.

Caplan, A. (1997) Due Consideration: Controversy in the Age of Medical Miracles. John Wiley & Sons
Roleff, T.L. (1998) Biomedical Ethics. Greenhaven Press.

Other texts and sources as detailed in module handbook

This module is designed to expose you to ethical issues within the biosciences and related fields. The module consists of a series of lectures and seminars given by internal and external speakers followed by structured debate, discussion and reflection on the issues raised. Your active contribution to the module is required in terms of verbal expression of view and presentation of argument and idea, with supporting evidence. Moral and ethical issues will be presented and discussed in a non-threatening, supportive and learning environment. The implications of latest research and controversial data will be included in this module.
It is expected that the module will focus on the following broad themes. Within each theme, the emphasis of study will be directed by the presentations of the internal/external speakers. Themes may alter from year-to-year but will focus on applied Human Biology. Full details will be given in the module handbook.
Themes may include: a) clinical biochemistry/ Subcellular biomedicine: including haematology, immunology, histopathology, diagnostic genetics, preimplantation genetic diagnosis microbiology and aspects of cellular pathology. b) Medical physiology: physiological measurement, life support, technological advances in measurement and their implications, radiological science scanning and x-ray c) Critical care: surgical advances, plastic surgery, moral and ethical dilemmas in a surgical setting d) Cancer: research developments, new treatments and therapies, predisposition, human behaviour e) Topics in international health; tropical health developments, human subjects, travel health, pandemics, occupational health, cultural issues f) Human growth and ageing; life expectancy, euthanasia, cloning, stem cell research, fertility treatment.

Lectures (12 hours)
Seminars (12 hours) discussion in smaller groups of issues related to lectures. You may be asked to prepare material in advance for these sessions.
Directed reading, research and independent study (126hours)

Access to internet. Library and Learning Resource Centre. Lecture room with facilities for PowerPoint presentation, video and blackout.