Module Catalogue

BMS3022 : Bioethics

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to proof of pre-requisite knowledge.
  • Module Leader(s): Mx Jan Deckers
  • Lecturer: Dr Thomas Chadwick, Dr Christina Elliott, Dr Alison Howard
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

The Bioethics module aims to introduce and discuss a wide range of ethical dilemmas related to biomedical science, including issues raised by consent, confidentiality, genetics, the use of animals in research, stem cell and human embryo research, and the pharmaceutical industry. It aims to prepare students in the Biomedical Sciences for effective and efficient decision-making when they are confronted with thorny issues in their professional lives by developing their skills in ethical reasoning and critical appraisal.

Outline Of Syllabus

The following topics and themes will be covered:

• Advanced methods of ethical reasoning
• Informed consent, confidentiality, disclosure of information, and the use of human tissues and organs in biomedical science
• Ethical issues related to human embryo research
• Ethics and human genetics
• Biomedical science and the creation and use of genetically modified nonhuman organisms
• The nature and functions of research ethics committees
• Resolving personal bioethical dilemmas
• The purpose of biomedical science in a rapidly changing world

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion851:0085:00Writing up lecture notes, revision & general reading. Includes 10 mins in person for the presentation
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture71:007:00In person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching42:008:00In person seminars
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will be organised to expose the students to ethical theories, as well as professional and legal guidance.

Four small group teaching sessions will be organised to promote the discussion of ideas, to allow students to present ideas in class, and to evaluate the module. In the final seminar, each group is limited to a maximum of 12 students to ensure there is sufficient time for all students to present.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M70Maximum 1500 words
Case study1M3010 minute presentation - In person
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essay aims to assess the students’ skills to identify, analyse, and resolve ethical dilemmas, particularly by assessing their ability to support ideas with arguments found in the relevant literature.

The case studies aim to assess students’ abilities to present their ethical dilemmas and to present their solutions to the ethical dilemmas presented by others.

Reading Lists

Timetable