Module: Bioethics

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Bioethics
Module Code	TP312 (ITS) / PHE1023 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	Alan Kearns
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

This module will introduce students to the field of bioethics, supplying them with a critical understanding of the bioethical arguments, controversies and theories. Students will gain an understanding of key bioethical concerns and issues, as well as learning about the latest developments in bioethical discourse.

Learning Outcomes

1. demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of a number of critical contemporary bioethical issues and themes from a philosophical and theological perspective.
2. construct arguments using the conceptual tools of bioethics and apply these to contemporary issues;
3. identify and evaluate a range of potential moral viewpoints and arguments regarding bioethical questions, within the context of pluralistic society.
4. develop their research skills in bioethics and associated areas.
5. apply and assess key principles to case studies in bioethics.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	20	No Description
Lecture	75	Independent learning / CA preparation
Online activity	30	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Bioethics

From Medical Ethics to Bioethics

Four Principles of Bioethics (Beauchamp & Childress)

Theological Principles of Bioethics

Innovative, Emerging Technologies & Biomedical Research

Public Health, Vaccines, & Pandemics

Reproductive Technologies & Surrogacy

Abortion & Personhood

Stem-Cell Research/Genetics/Enhancements

Withholding/withdrawing Treatment

Euthanasia & Physician-Assisted Suicide

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Beauchamp, T. L. and Childress, J. F.: 2019, The Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 8th, Oxford University Press, New York,
Caplan, Arthur L. and Arp, Robert (eds): 2014, Contemporary Debates in Bioethics, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester,
Kuhse, Helga and Singer, Peter (eds): 2016, Bioethics: An Anthology, Wiley Blackwell, Chichester,
Moskop, John C.: 2016, Ethics and Health Care: An Introduction, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
Scott, P. Anne (ed.): 2017, Key Concepts and Issues in Nursing Ethics, Springer,
Singer, Peter A. and Viens, A. M. (eds.): 2008, The Cambridge Textbook of Bioethics, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,

Other Resources

None