CHB1010 - Ethics, Biotechnology and Genetics: Current issues in bioethics

Leader: Robert Sparrow

Offered

Clayton First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit investigates emerging ethical issues raised by current and future developments in biotechnology and genetics. The main competing ethical frameworks are explained, initially through a discussion of abortion and research ethics, to help students analyse and resolve various contemporary ethical issues in biotechnology and genetics. The unit examines ethical issues in the following areas, outlining the latest research in each case: human embryonic stem cell research; the creation of cross-species hybrids; xenotransplantation; genetic engineering and 'enhancement' of human traits; therapeutic and reproductive cloning; and preimplantation and prenatal genetic diagnosis and selection.

Objectives

On successfully completing this unit, students will have: a familiarity with major ethical frameworks used in discussions of current issues in bioethics; skills that enable them to think critically about some key ethical issues raised by current and future developments in biotechnology and genetics; and the ability to make informed judgements about those ethical issues.

Assessment

Exercise 500 words: 15%, Exercise 500 words:15% Essay: 1500 words: 30%, Exam 2000 words: 40%.

Contact hours

2 one-hour lectures and a one-hour tutorial per week