Module: Bioethics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Bioethics
Module Code	PHE1023 (ITS: TP312)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	11345	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Alan Kearns	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None