Introducing Bioethics
| Duration | 10 weekly meetings | |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor | Dr Clea Rees | |
| Course code | PHI24A5583A | |
| Fee | £196 | |
| Concessionary fee | £157 (find out about eligibility and funding options) | |
| Location | John Percival Building |
- Could somebody have five parents?
- Should our descendants be non-human?
- Is ‘letting die’ better than euthanasia?
- Is neurodiversity misclassified as disability?
- What distinguishes non-conformity from insanity?
- How does oppression shape experiences of mental illness?
This module explores ethical challenges in medicine, genetics and neuroscience.
No previous philosophy knowledge is required.
Learning and teaching
The module will be delivered through ten 2-hour sessions, made up of workshops, class discussions, small group work and debates.
We will be concerned with questions concerning bioethics, society and the state. Discussion will be informed, as appropriate, by classical and contemporary philosophy, including feminist approaches, empirical work in the human sciences, actual and hypothetical cases, public policy and the law.
Topics may include:
- Personhood
- Health
- Ethical Frameworks
- Oppression
- Global Bioethics
- Parenthood/Childhood
- Future Beings
- Paternalism
- Minds
Coursework and assessment
To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.
The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.
For this course, you will undertake a short question formulation exercise (5%), a case study (20%) and a paper (75%). In total, this will be around 1,700 – 2,000 words.
Reading suggestions
You will be provided with comprehensive reading suggestions before the course begins.
Library and computing facilities
As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.
Accessibility
Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.
