Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW342
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
This unit equips you with a thorough introduction to several key legal and ethical issues impacting on the delivery of health care.
You will examine a range of topics including the relationship between bioethics and law, as well as apply ethical and legal principles to issues including basic legal principles impacting on health care and medicine, the beginning of life (including assisted reproductive technology and abortion) and the end of life (including end of life decision making and euthanasia).
Throughout, you will build transferable critical thinking, legal reasoning and analytical skills.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the nature and scope of the law and the role of the courts and tribunals in dealing with matters that relate to the medico-legal field;
- use initiative and judgement to critically analyse, synthesise, and consolidate the legislation and case law relevant to the practice of medicine in communicating well-reasoned and persuasive legal arguments and solutions to complex medico-legal issues;
- critically evaluate the ethical theories and bio ethical principles that provide guidance for decision-making in medical practice; and
- use cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in comparing and evaluating the judicial decisions of overseas jurisdictions.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Research Essay No. Words: 2000 |
| Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No Words: 1500 |
| Quiz | No | 20% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Australian Health Law
ISBN: 9780409359275
Allen, S. and Smith, M., LexisNexis 2nd 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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