EPM5024 - Research, bioethics and law

Leader: Ms H Potts

Offered

Not offered in 2008

Synopsis

Introductory approach to international and domestic law to research. Examination of legal approach to substantive issues such as consent, confidentiality, discrimination, contract, intellectual property and human rights as well as different international codes, guidelines and standards. Roles and power of international organisations such as WHO, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNAIDS, UNESCO and UN.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the operation of the legal system and the sources of law, both national and international;
2. show familiarity with the roles and powers of the various legal institutions that have a role in regulating the legal context, from courts through to international organizations that set standards;
3. demonstrate an understanding of the key areas of law which affect research, including consent, confidentiality, discrimination, contract, intellectual property and human rights within national legal systems;
4. demonstrate an understanding of the range of international codes and guidelines that affect research, and harmonization of the standards;
5. identify the legal issues that arise in relation to proposals for research involving humans;
6. distinguish legal from ethical issues and explain the respective roles of both in relation to research or humans;

7. analyse a research project in terms of the legal and ethical issues that affect it.

Assessment

Oral presentation 30%
Written assignments 70%

Contact hours

2 contact hours per week