Off-Campus Learning Guide 2004
Arts

Faculty Certificate in Bioethics

Course code: 2525 + Clayton campus + Australian and New Zealand students (and permanent residents): unit fee $2250; course fee $4500 + International students: unit fee $3875; course fee $7750 + Attendance not required

Aims

The Graduate Certificate in Bioethics aims to develop and extend an individual's understanding of ethical issues in health care. On successful completion of this program, students should have acquired an understanding of a theoretical framework underpinning debates in one or more areas of bioethics, along with the skills to think critically about key issues in those areas, and the ability to apply what they have learnt to practical questions in those areas of bioethics.

Entry requirements

Candidates must have either (a) a degree in medicine or any other health science, in law, the biological and social sciences, or in a branch of the humanities, such as philosophy (or other degree as approved by the faculty board), requiring the equivalent of not less than three years full-time study in an approved tertiary institution; or (b) a degree in a field other than those referred to in (a), requiring the equivalent of not less than three years full-time study in an approved tertiary institution, plus relevant experience which establishes their capacity for advanced study in bioethics; or (c) qualifications and experience which in the opinion of the faculty board are a suitable preparation for the candidate's proposed field of study.

All candidates applying under conditions (b) or (c) must also provide a full curriculum vitae and a statement of up to 1000 words indicating the applicant's career objectives and reasons for applying for entry.

The following principles will form the basis for decisions about admission for candidates without a suitable degree in one of the fields referred to in (a):

• candidates must provide references from at least two suitably qualified people (one of whom should be their employer, if relevant) who can attest to their capacity to undertake tertiary studies involving a high degree of independence in learning
• candidates will be expected to show evidence of substantial employment experience in a professional field related to bioethics, including nursing, pharmaceutical and health care management, and para-legal work dealing with health care
• in such fields, substantial employment experience is defined as a minimum of five years professional experience or independent employment which includes both administrative and managerial duties or equivalent competencies and substantial research experience, preferably involving the production of monographs, papers, or research-based reports
• in other fields of professional employment, evidence of advanced competency in relevant skills, including independent research and analysis, the planning and implementation of a substantial research project and advanced written and oral communication skills.

Course structure

The program requires completion of any two 12-point units (a total of 24 points), chosen from the following:

• CHB4101 Ethics
• CHB4102 Questions of life and death
• CHB4203 Ethical issues in patient care
• CHB4204 Legal issues in bioethics

Assessment

Assessment for each unit is based on a combination of essays and a take-home exam. Students must also keep a journal, in which they complete set activities.

Advanced standing for previous study

Credit is not normally granted in the graduate certificate. Students successfully completing a Graduate Certificate in Bioethics with average grades of credit or above can progress to a Graduate Diploma of Bioethics and receive exemptions with credit for the corresponding units in the graduate diploma course.

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