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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title Environmental Ethics
Module Code BE409
School School of Biotechnology

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Rosaleen DeveryOffice NumberX211
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

To introduce the student to the subject of ethics with particular reference to developments in environmental science and health.

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciate risk, precaution and trust
2. Discuss issues that are of ethical concern for the biosphere
3. Formulate an ethical view on how to promote democratic decision making in environmental science and health
4. Construct reasoned arguments to support their position on the ethical and social impact of advances in environmental science and technology



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture14No Description
Independent Study102No Description
Group work9No 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

Brief History of Science and Societal attitudes to Science
o Enlightenment, Modernism & Postmodernism

Public evaluation of science and technology
Role of media, models for communication of science with public

Introduction to Environmental ethics
Introduction to Environmental ethics o Definition o Development of Ethics  Ancient Greeks  Judaeo-Christian ethics  Natural Law  Ethics after 16th Century • Ethical Theories: deontological, consequentialism / utilitarianism and virtue ethics  Growth of Environmental Ethics  Environmental Ethics in 21st century • Values o Instrumental, biocentrism, ecocentrism • The issues o sustainability, terrestrial and aquatic pollution, global climate change, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, • Society  Making ethical decisions  Standards of ethical conduct in science

The Practice of Ethics
o Risk, The Precautionary principle and Trust o Administration of Science & Technology in Ireland  Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency, Health Research Board o Regulation  National Council for Bioethics, Government departments (Health & Children, Agriculture & Food, Justice), Environmental Protection Agency, Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, Food Safety Authority in Ireland, Irish Medicines Board o Intellectual Property & Patenting

Test case in environmental ethics
o Destruction of Rainforest

Test case in Precautionary Principle
o Toxic Waste from Chlorine industry

Test case in environmental racism
o Skull Valley

Test case in Ecological Justice & Energy Choices
o ANWR

Ethical, legal and social issues with regard to genetic modification
o animals o foods o crops

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • John Bryant, Linda Baggott la Velle, John Searle: 2005, Introduction to Bioethics, 1st, John Wiley & Sons, England, 0 470021985
  • John Bryant, Linda Baggott la Velle, John Searle: 2002, Bioethics for scientists, 1st, Wiley, Chichester, 0471495328
  • G. Tyler Miller Jr: 2007, Living in the Environment Principles, Connections and Solutions, 15th, Thomson Brooks/Cole, 0-495-12524-5
  • Ben Mepham: 2005, Bioethics An introduction for the biosciences, 1st, 12, Oxford University Press, Oxford OX2 6DP, 0-19-926715-4
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
ESHBSc Environmental Science & Tech
ESHIBSc Environmental Science & Tech (Int)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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