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PHIL101 Bioethics

Updated: 27 March 2013
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 2 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Intensive School(s) None
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.
Materials Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment Assessment information will be published prior to commencement of the teaching period.
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. demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of different philosophical approaches which might be taken in dealing with bioethical issues;
  3. apply general moral principles in ethical decision making;
  4. apply ethical theory in general; and
  5. demonstrate critical thinking skills and apply those skills in both philosophical and non-philosophical contexts.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of bioethics will be taught through unit notes, readings, assignment and examination. Knowledge is assessed in both assessment tasks. 		True True
2 Communication Skills
Students will be taught communication skills through written feedback on the essay for the unit. Students will learn valuable communication skills through participation in tutorials and online (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 practise their communication skills through completing the assessment tasks. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
This unit's emphasis on the broader philosophical underpinngs of our reasoning practices will present students with opportunities for developing a global perspective. 		True
4 Information Literacy
Students will be directed to relevant literature and taught how to assess its validity. Students will be assessed on their ability to identify and critically analyse the relevant literature. 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
By completing the assessments, students will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to research, write on 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 both of the assessments. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct the questions and to integrate theory and literature into their answer. Students will need to work out how to address the question and where to find the most appropriate material 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 practise 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. 		True
   

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