This Module provides a basis for critical discussion of fundamental concepts in Healthcare, law and ethics, focusing on topical issues in professional practice and those which arise particularly in the professional/patient relationship. The areas covered include:

- Autonomy and consent -adults, minors and incompetent patients.
- Responsibility and accountability -medical negligence, litigation and reform.
- Confidentiality -subject access, professional guidelines, disclosure to third parties.
- The origins of life -moral and legal status of the embryo; embryo research;
- Abortion and neonaticide.
- Assisted reproduction.
- Clinical research. Biotechnology.
- Organ transplantation -live and cadaveric donors
- Ending life - euthanasia

Written assignment (Semester One) 3,000 words 50%
The coursework will assess learning outcomes 1-6.

2 -hour unseen written examination (Semester Two) 50%
The examination will assess learning outcomes 1-4 and 6.

To pass this module, students must obtain a mark of at least 40%.
Students must obtain at least 35% in both the coursework and examination elements of the module.

Must have studied any Level 1 Law module.

ESSENTIAL TEXT CHOOSE ONE
Brazier, Margaret, and Cave, Emma, Medicine, Patients and the Law, 2007 Penguin, 4th edition
Mason, J.K and Laurie, G.T. Mason and McCall Smith?s Law and Medical Ethics, 2006, Butterworths, 7th edition

CASEBOOK (not essential but very useful)
McHale, Jean, and Fox, Marie, Healthcare Law: Text and Materials, 2006, Thomson, 2nd edition
Jackson, Emily, Medical Law Text, Cases and Materials, 2006, Oxford University Press

In addition, it is helpful to have a book on ethics:
John Harris, The Value of Life, 1992, Routledge and Kegan Paul plc
OR
Raanan Gillon, Philosophical Medical Ethics, 1986, John Wiley and Sons

Access to appropriate texts, legislation and cases
Module Study guide
Computing facilities will be needed to access materials on the web and specialist on-line databases.

Whole group sessions - A series of lectures will discuss and explore the key ethical and legal concepts which relate to healthcare relationships and issues. The PTE lectures are structured somewhat differently from the FT Module in that after a 10 minute introduction, the emphasis is on interactive learning, wherein the students are encouraged to express their opinions on current developments and cases and this provides the basis for further discussion of key points within the lecture format. From the first session, students will be given preparatory material and very detailed handouts as well as a detailed workplan on certain topics, and detailed reading lists containing questions, so issues may be discussed in greater depth in subsequent lectures and tutorials. 3 hours per week x 4 weeks = 12 hours per block. This is currently delivered in 2 blocks of 4 weeks each. (24 hours in total)

Small group sessions - A series of tutorial sessions will examine particular aspects of Health Care law and ethics. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to encourage and develop active, independent learning.
Tutorials provide opportunities to develop, question and enhance knowledge of the subject. Some topics are addressed through detailed self-directed study plans which enable the student to act independently in planning, managing and developing their research skills within a clearly defined framework. (8 hours in total)

Directed study and independent learning -Principally this will consist of research and preparation for tutorials. Preparatory materials such as very detailed handouts will be provided at the start of the Teaching Block allowing lecture sessions to concentrate on particular aspects in greater depth. Students will be referred to current legislation and recently reported cases which require the use of online databases. Use of the worldwide web is strongly encouraged as healthcare law and ethics is a rapidly changing area.
** There are 4 weeks (2 weeks in each semester) for this Module where there is no contact time but during which students will be required to engage in directed independent learning and research via further reading references. This is possible because at the beginning of the Teaching Block, students will also be given detailed workplans on designated topics which contain lists of specific questions and further reading material. This encourages them to carry out independent research on particular topics. At the lectures and tutorials, students will then be expected to discuss the questions and issues raised on these detailed workplans in greater depth. The use of workplans therefore places a greater emphasis on analytical skills and the focus of these plans will highlight a range of issues in areas of importance in healthcare law and ethics.
Completion of tutorial reflective assessment forms at the end of each tutorial will encourage students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively. Module evaluation sheets will also be distributed and collected at the end of the Teaching Blocks for evaluation of student feedback for the Module.