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PHIL101 Bioethics

Updated: 30 March 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 2 Off Campus C - Internet access required
Armidale Semester 2 On Campus C - Internet access required
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
13 September 2010 15 September 2010 Non-Mandatory
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites None
Co-requisites None
Restrictions None
Notes None
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s) Adrian Walsh (awalsh@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit critically examines contemporary moral issues arising primarily out of the development of new biotechnologies that are transforming the way we are born, the ways we die and the ways we live our lives in between. Drawing on the resources of Western moral philosophy, the unit explores the ethics of such practices as stem cell research, genetic therapy, organ transplantation, in vitro fertilization, surrogacy (commercial and otherwise), euthanasia and abortion. The unit aims to develop in the student who undertakes it an informed and critical appreciation of the ethical controversies surrounding the development of these technologies and practices as they arise in contemporary society. Particular attention will be paid to recent bioethical controversies in Australian society.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
ISBN: 9780495006732
Beauchamp, T.L. and Walters, L., Thompson Wadsworth 7th ed. 2006
Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 50% 2500
Assessment Notes
Essay
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-6 GA: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7
Final Examination 2 hrs 50%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-6 GA: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. explore significant ethical issues which arise in the medical context;
  2. develop an awareness and appreciation of different philosophical approaches which might be taken in dealing with bioethical issues;
  3. develop an understanding of the role of general moral principles in ethical decision making;
  4. develop an appreciation of ethical theory in general;
  5. develop critical thinking skills;
  6. apply those skills broadly in both philosophical and non-philosophical contexts.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of the philosophy discipline will be taught through lectures and tutorials. It will be assessed by one written assessment and an examination. 		True True
2 Communication Skills
Students will be taught communication skills through written and oral feedback on the essay for the unit. Students studying on-campus will learn valuable communication skills through participation in tutorials (this will include debates and small group work). Students will be assessed on the style of writing, clarity of writing, expression and development of ideas, and referencing. Students will practice their communication skills through completing the assessment tasks (written through the essay). 		True True True
4 Information Literacy
Students will be taught, and directed, to relevant literature and how to assess its validity. Students will be assessed (through the essay) on their ability to identify relevant literature, and on their ability to critically analyse the literature. 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Through completing the assessments, students will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to research, write and discuss social issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, and will be useful in any research positions. These attributes will be assessed in all of the assessments (written skills; analytical skills). In addition, students who attend tutorials will be provided with the skills to debate contentious topics and develop their understanding of a topic through group activities. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct the essay question and to integrate theory and literature into their answer. Students will need to work out how to address the question and where the most appropriate material is to answer the question. 		True
7 Social Responsibility
Students will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'. This will be assessed and taught through their responses to the essay and exam questions. 		True True
8 Team Work
Students will practice their teamwork skills through participating in tutorials, or online discussion postings. They will be required to discuss the weekly topics with their fellow students in a thoughtful and respectful manner (practice). 		True
   

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