BMS3022 : Bioethics
BMS3022 : Bioethics
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Mx Jan Deckers
- Lecturer: Dr Christina Elliott, Dr Alison Howard, Dr Thomas Chadwick
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The Bioethics module aims to introduce and discuss a wide range of ethical dilemmas related to biomedical science, including issues raised by consent, confidentiality, genetics, the use of animals in research, stem cell and human embryo research, and the pharmaceutical industry. It aims to prepare students in the Biomedical Sciences for effective and efficient decision-making when they are confronted with thorny issues in their professional lives by developing their skills in ethical reasoning and critical appraisal.
Outline Of Syllabus
The following topics and themes will be covered:
• Advanced methods of ethical reasoning
• Informed consent, confidentiality, disclosure of information, and the use of human tissues and organs in biomedical science
• Ethical issues related to human embryo research
• Ethics and human genetics
• Biomedical science and the creation and use of genetically modified nonhuman organisms
• The nature and functions of research ethics committees
• Resolving personal bioethical dilemmas
• The purpose of biomedical science in a rapidly changing world
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module students are expected to be able to:
- identify and critically explore ethical dilemmas in biomedical science and to resolve these in
ways that are appropriate for their future professional practice.
- support their ideas about how to resolve ethical dilemmas with arguments found in the relevant
literature.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module students are expected to be able to:
- use a range of relevant resources to identify and resolve biomedical dilemmas.
- write clearly and logically about a biomedical dilemma.
- present a number of arguments that are relevant to resolve biomedical dilemmas.
- select a number of ethical principles and theories and apply these to dilemmas raised by the
biomedical sciences.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 85 | 1:00 | 85:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision & general reading. Includes 10 mins in person for the presentation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | In person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | In person seminars |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will be organised to expose the students to ethical theories, as well as professional and legal guidance.
Four small group teaching sessions will be organised to promote the discussion of ideas, to allow students to present ideas in class, and to evaluate the module. In the final seminar, each group is limited to a maximum of 12 students to ensure there is sufficient time for all students to present.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 70 | Maximum 1500 words |
| Case study | 1 | M | 30 | 10 minute presentation - In person |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay aims to assess the students’ skills to identify, analyse, and resolve ethical dilemmas, particularly by assessing their ability to support ideas with arguments found in the relevant literature.
The case studies aim to assess students’ abilities to present their ethical dilemmas and to present their solutions to the ethical dilemmas presented by others.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMS3022's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- BMS3022's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.