Bioethics and Medical Law
MA, PGDip, PGCert

Modules

• Human Beings and Human Action Core

Human Beings and Human Action (Core)

This module offers a detailed exploration of some of the central conceptions about the human person in Western philosophical and theological traditions and of central themes and important schools within this tradition.

Aims

• To explore some of the central concepts of the human person in Western philosophical and theological traditions
• To distinguish, without separating or reducing, the transcendent and material aspects of human persons
• To explore some of the central themes and important schools within the tradition of Western moral philosophy
• To consider the meaning of the language used in ethical debate
• To examine forms of moral argument and the justification for ethical claims
• To analyse contemporary biomedical debates for their underlying philosophical and theological principles, values, and views of the human being
• To distinguish different traditions of argumentation in ethics and their use of key terms
• To consider comparative European approaches to human dignity and autonomy.

Assessment: 5,250 word essay (70%); 2,250 discussion paper (30%)

Credits: 30

• Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life Core

Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life (Core)

This module analyses the key principles, concepts and theory concerning the understanding of the beginning of human life. Complimenting BML7014 and BML7017, this module will explore more thematic issues that will bring context to the theory and offer further scope for critique and reflection of the central social and ethical questions. The module will examine some of the key advances in assisted reproductive technologies and biotechnology, whilst also looking to the future and considering the implications and issues that are likely to shape the agenda in the coming years.

Aims

• To explore ethical issues concerning the bringing to be of new human life and the protection of the neonate.
• To consider the ethical implications of new reproductive technologies.
• To help students apply conclusions from reflection on the philosophy and theology of the human being to specific moral questions.

Assessment: 3,000 word contribution to group wiki (60%); 2,000 word portfolio contribution to wiki (40%)

Credits: 20

• Ethical Issues at the End of Life Core

Ethical Issues at the End of Life (Core)

This module analyses the key principles, concepts and theory concerning the understanding of the end of human life. Building upon the central philosophical and medical law concepts covered in the core modules (BML7014 and BML7017) this module will explore more thematic issues that will bring context to the theory and offer further scope for critique and reflection of the central social and ethical questions. The module will consider the ethical implications of modern medicine on end of life decision-making.

Aims

• To explore ethical issues concerning the approach of death and the direct or indirect bringing about of death.
• To consider the principles of consent and beneficence in the treatment of dying patients.
• To help students apply conclusions from reflection on the philosophy and theology of the human being to particular moral questions.

Assessment: 3,000 word position paper (60%); 2,000 word discussion paper (40%)

Credits: 20

• Bioethics and Medical Law Core

Bioethics and Medical Law (Core)

This module builds upon the knowledge base about philosophical and theological anthropologies from module BML7014 and explores more deeply some of the key ethical theories and concepts encountered therein and applies them to some bioethical issues such as organ donation and artificial intelligence. The second half of the module seeks to give an up to date primer on the basic structure of the UK legal system and some of fundamental aspects of medical law and to provide an introduction to some of the key landmark cases.

Aims

• To investigate the history of medical ethics and the context which gave rise to contemporary bioethics.
• To consider critically the principles of different schools of contemporary bioethics.
• To reflect on the starting point for bioethics and the concepts and principles necessary for an adequate ethical approach to modern medicine in the light of philosophical and theological principles.
• To examine the main areas of legal regulation of the practice of medicine in the UK.
• To consider the most significant cases and statutes that shape contemporary medical law in the UK.
• To consider the aims of medical law and the degree to which current law fulfils these aims.
• To examine tensions within the law and conflicting interpretations of the law, especially insofar as these bear on ethical differences of opinion.

Assessment: 4,500 word essay (60%); 2.5 hour written exam (40%)

Credits: 30

• Patients, Professionals and Society Option

Patients, Professionals and Society (Option)

This module explores the bioethical principles and methods used to evaluate the ethical dilemmas beyond the individual patient doctor interface that can affect the whole of life rather than just its beginning and end.

Issues such as truth-telling and conscience, ethics of public health, the social determinants of health and their ethical implications, global healthcare ethics and activism, health promotion, healthcare management and discrimination in healthcare are among the topics explored. The module builds on the principles and medical case law studied in the core module BML7017 and already applied to beginning and end of life issues.

Aims

• To explore some common ethical dilemmas involved in the relationship of the medical-professional and the patient.
• To explore the ethics and practice of good communication within the context of medicine.
• To consider the virtues needed by the medical professional.
• To place health and healthcare delivery in an organisational, social and global context.
• To help students understand the impact of social and environmental factors upon health, and the impact of biomedical technologies upon society and the environment.
• To increase awareness of the global implications of healthcare and the ethical implications of these.
• To enhance awareness of some of the ethical dilemmas of contemporary biomedical research e.g. cognitive enhancement and transhumanism.

Assessment: 3,000 word essay (60%); 2,000 word discussion paper (40%)

Credits: 20

• Religious Bioethics and Faith in the Public Square Option

Religious Bioethics and Faith in the Public Square (Option)

This module seeks to give a wider appreciation of bioethical issues as seen from various religious perspectives and in the broader context of secularism and debate in the public square. The module explores the significance of religion and spirituality in healthcare. The module covers the implications of some aspects of religious law and conscientious objection as well as the practical implications of multi-faith in a healthcare setting.

Aims

• To explore and delineate the meaning of religious bioethics.
• To contextualise religious approaches within the public debate on bioethics.
• To consider aspects of religious law and conscientious objection in relation to bioethical questions.
• To consider the approaches and areas of concern in Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu perspectives in bioethics.
• To identify the main sources of moral reflection for major world religions.
• To reflect on the multi-faith and spiritual nature of healthcare.
• To explore bioethical issues from various religious perspectives.

Assessment: 3,000 word essay (60%); 20 minute oral group dialogue (40%)

Credits: 20

• Research Methods and Dissertation Core

Research Methods and Dissertation (Core)

This module, compulsory for the MA, enables students to undertake their own piece of substantial research. Students will be equipped to identify, delineate, research and write on a topic of their choice within the field of bioethics.

Aims

• To develop a secure comprehension of the methods and tools of bioethical enquiry/research (empirical, legal, textual, philosophical and theological) and the ability to select and use these appropriately.
• To build student awareness of the ethical issues in the conduct of research.
• To equip students to undertake the dissertation.
• To familiarise students with the main sources of bioethical research.
• To facilitate students learning of how to make good use of supervision.

Assessment: 10,500 word dissertation (70%); 20 minute individual oral presentation followed by 10 minute Q&A (30%)

Credits: 60