Biomedical Ethics, basic course, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

At least one year of full-time undergraduate studies. Documented knowledge of English equivalent to Engelska B/Engelska 6.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course, students should on a basic level be able to
- demonstrate basic knowledge in ethics by studying issues in biomedical ethics,
- demonstrate basic knowledge of concepts, theories, and problems within the field of biomedical ethics,
- analyse problems in biomedical ethics,
- argue for a standpoint of their own regarding a few issues in biomedical ethics,
- demonstrate an open and critical attitude to positions and arguments in biomedical ethics.

Course content

Biomedical ethics is the study of ethical problems raised by biomedicine. Important areas are biomedical research ethics and clinical ethics. The course focuses on problems related to, e.g., assisted reproduction, genetic testing, clinical encounters, end-of-life situations, resource allocation in health care, and animal experimentation. Cases as well as theoretical arguments are discussed.

Teaching and working methods

In the course students read and analyse texts, participate in group work, write papers and are actively involved in seminar discussions. In addition, lectures and guest lectures are offered. Work with web resources and visits at workplaces outside the university may also be provided. Homework and independent study are a necessary complement to the course. Language of instruction: English.

Examination

The course is examined by oral presentations and writing a paper. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department