Undergraduate - UnitLAW4642E - Issues in medical ethics and law

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Synopsis

This unit will cover a selected number of issues in medical law and ethics. Topics will include general issues that revolve around notions of autonomy, competency and compulsion as well as a number of contemporary bioethics issues such as organ transplantation, abortion and medical research.
In discussing these issues, students will be encouraged to think about the differences as well as the interplay between legal rules and ethical guidelines. The discussions will also include a consideration of the different approaches taken by different countries and students will be invited to think critically about the responses of different jurisdictions.

Outcomes

1. To introduce students to a number of selected issues in medical law and ethics
2. To help students to develop an understanding of the ways in which legal and ethical rules impact on such issues
3. To encourage students to think critically about the role of law and ethics in the resolution of the issues identified.

Assessment

Take-home examination (60%), written assignment (30%), class participation (10%).

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Normann Witzleb

Contact hours

Students will be required to attend 36 hours of seminars, and undertake approximately an additional 108 hours of private study, including reading, class preparation, assignment preparation and revision time over the duration of the course.