Any Level 1 Law Module

Written assignment (Semester One) 3,000 words, which will assess learning outcomes 1 - 6. (50%)
2 hour unseen examination (Semester Two), which will assess learning outcomes 1 - 4 and 6. (50%)

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.

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 provide the basic knowledge of the ethical and legal concepts which relate to healthcare relationships and issues. 2 hours per week x 22 weeks = 44 hours.

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 both collaborative and active, independent learning. Eg collaborative learning exercises and student presentations in addition to the more traditional tutor-led group discussions and debate. Collaborative learning provides the opportunity to work in groups as a participant who contributes effectively to the group's tasks, aims and objectives.
Both forms of tutorials provide opportunities to develop, question and enhance basic knowledge of the subject. Some topics are addressed through self-directed study plans which enable you to act independently in planning, managing and developing your research skills within a clearly defined framework. (10 hours).

Directed study and independent learning - Principally this will consist of research and preparation for tutorials. Students are referred to current 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. Students are provided with a workplan for a designated topic which enables them to carry out directed research on a particular topic. 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. (246 hours).

This module provides a basis for critical discussion of fundamental concepts in Healthcare, Law and Ethics,by focusing on topical issues in professional practice and those which arise particularly in the professional/patient relationship. The areas ocvered include:

- Autonomy and consent - adults, minors and incompetent patients
- Repsonsibility 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 transplanatation - live and cadaveric donors
- Ending life - euthanasia