BIO06032 2019 Bioethics

Communicate ethical issues in a calm, rational and balanced manner in both written and oral formats. 

Differentiate between reliable scientific reports and sensational media communications.

This module will be delivered full-time. Lecture delivery will be the primary mode of dissemination for module theory. A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be employed to promote critical and reflective thinking, as well as research and evaluation skills. Cooperative learning in small groups will give students the opportunity to work with others and see different points of view. Active learning will be developed through the use of role playing and inquiry-based learning activities.  To develop critical thinking skills, students will evaluate different literature sources (scientific papers and media reports) on the same topic and discuss the merits of each source in detail. A key focus of this module is to develop the student’s oral presentation skills. To develop their confidence in this area, students will be encouraged to take part in classroom discussions and to work in small groups to debate sensitive bioethical issues. A learning platform (such as moodle) will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals).

The Bioethics module will be examined through 100% continuous assessment.  Multiple choice quizzes will assess subject knowledge while peer assessment will be employed to encourage students to think critically, synthesize information and communicate science in nontechnical language.

A key focus of this module is to develop the student's presentation skills. This will be carried out through formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment will include class room discussions on bioethical topics enabling the students to become comfortable with discussing science and sensitive issues in an informal manner. A summative assessment will be included in the form of either an ethical debate or presentation. 

If a student fails to achieve 40% in the module they will be required to submit an assignment. Repeat assessments will be decided on a case by case basis, and will be informed by the amount and quality of continuous assessment submitted during the semester. Examples of repeat assessment could include a multiple choice quiz, case study evaluation or essay style questions on a given topic. 

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ethical issues in medical biotechnology.

• The place of Ethics in Biomedical Science. Fundamental issues of Ethics and Biotechnology. 
• Clinical trials and associated ethical issues.
• Understand the role of ethics in research.
• Examine the ethical questions surrounding some of the following topics:
  • Genetic Engineering 
  • Genetically Modified Crops
  • Human Genetic Testing
  • Human Reproductive Technologies
  • Stem Cell Research
  • Human Gene Therapy
  • Animal/Human Cloning
  • The use of Bioinformation
  • Personalised Medicine
  • Current/emerging bioethical issues

Identify moral aspects of various issues in contemporary biomedical science.

• Clinical trials and associated ethical issues.
• Understand the role of ethics and morals in research.
• Identify moral aspects surrounding the some of the following topics:
  • Genetic Engineering 
  • Genetically Modified Crops
  • Human Genetic Testing
  • Human Reproductive Technologies
  • Stem Cell Research
  • Human Gene Therapy
  • Animal/Human Cloning
  • The use of Bioinformation
  • Personalised Medicine
  • Current/emerging bioethical issues

Communicate ethical issues in a calm, rational and balanced manner in both written and oral formats. 

• Distinguish between Morals, Ethics and Law.
• Study ethical principles and theories and modern bioethical approaches.
  • Deontology
  • Consequentialism
  • Utilitarianism
  •  Ethic Intuition
  • Virtue Ethics
  • Principilism
• The role of ethical committees.
• Presentations, class discussions and role play activities will be carried out to discuss sensitive topics in a calm, balanced and rational manner, employing the ethical principals and theories.

Differentiate between reliable scientific reports and sensational media communications.

• Clinical trials and associated ethical issues.
• Understand the role of ethics in research.
• Differentiate between reliable scientific reports and sensational media communications (including videos) on a range of topics, which may include:
  • Genetic Engineering 
  • Genetically Modified Crops
  • Human Genetic Testing
  • Human Reproductive Technologies
  • Stem Cell Research
  • Human Gene Therapy
  • Animal/Human Cloning
  • The use of Bioinformation
  • Personalised Medicine
  • Current/emerging bioethical issues

Interpret existing frameworks in Ireland and the EU regulating medical biotechnologies.

• Study and interpret existing Regulatory Frameworks for some of the following topics:
  • Genetically Modified Organisms
  • Stem Cell research
  • Human and Animal Reproductive medicine
  • Human genetic testing
  • Food Biotechnology products
  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current/emerging bioethical issues