BMD3013 : Bioethics in the Biosciences (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Mx Jan Deckers
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Christina Elliott
- Lecturer: Dr Joanna Elson, Dr Alison Howard
- 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: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The Bioethics in the Biosciences module aims to introduce and discuss a wide range of ethical and legal issues related to the Biosciences, including issues raised by consent, confidentiality, genetics, the use of animals in research, stem cell and human embryo research, sustainability, the use of artificial intelligence, and the pharmaceutical industry. It aims to prepare students in the Biosciences for ethical, 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 will be covered:
Advanced methods of ethical reasoning
Informed consent, confidentiality, and the disclosure of information
Ethics in biosciences innovation and the age of personalised medicine
Ethics related to the use of human tissues and organs in biomedical science
Ethical issues related to human embryo research
Ethics and genetics
The nature and functions of research ethics committees
Ethics and the use of nonhuman animals to promote human health
Developing research integrity
The purpose of biomedical science in a rapidly changing world
Ethics in relation to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care
Ethics and sustainability
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 170 | 1:00 | 170:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision & general reading |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Core module knowledge lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Seminars |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will expose students to ethical theories, as well as professional and legal guidance.
Small group teaching sessions (seminars) will promote the discussion of ideas, to allow students to present ideas , to develop their skills in problem-solving and teamwork, and to evaluate the module.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | 40 | Live individual presentation (10 min) and 5 minute response to questions |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 60 | A written assignment comprising an essay of max. 1000 words (50%) on one bioethical issue and two policy briefs of max. 500 words each (each 25%). |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case study | 1 | M | 5 minute presentation – in person |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay aims to assess the students’ skills to identify, analyse, and resolve ethical issues, 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 issues and to present their solutions to the ethical issues presented by others.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMD3013's Timetable