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Monash University

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Bioethics - Faculty of Arts

Offered by the School of Philosophy and Bioethics
Campus availability: Clayton

Relevant courses

  • 2452 Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
  • 0002 Bachelor of Arts (and associated double degrees)
  • 3910 Bachelor of Arts (Global)
  • 0202 Bachelor of Letters

The growth of scientific knowledge and technical ability in medicine, genetics and the biological sciences has led to a number of ethical problems which perplex all of us, but especially those in the health care field. Is human embryonic stem cell research justified by the prospect it offers of alleviating some of the most debilitating diseases? Is genetic enhancement of humans ethically justified? Is it unethical to select embryos for implantation on the basis of sex? Should research designed to find 'gay genes' be conducted given that the results of such work might be used against homosexual people? Should we proceed with research trying to clone people? Does the fact that we can prolong the life of a patient in a permanent vegetative state mean that we should do so? At the Centre for Human Bioethics (CHB), we are attempting to develop our ethical thinking so as to keep pace with advances in biomedical technology. Furthermore, we can anticipate future developments and assess what we might do if and when these anticipated developments become a reality.

Sequences and units

First year sequence

A first year sequence in Bioethics consists of any two of:

  • CHB1010 Ethics, biotechnology and genetics: Current issues in bioethics
  • CHB1020 Ethics, genetics and the law: Justice and the new biotechnologies
  • PHL1010 Introduction to philosophy A

These units can also be counted toward a minor or major in Philosophy for the purposes of a major or minor.

Minor sequence

Students must complete a first-year sequence in Bioethics, and CHB2100. In addition they must do one of:

Contact details

Philosophy and Bioethics Undergraduate Coordinator

PhilBio.UGCoordinator@arts.monash.edu.au
Telephone +61 3 9905 2989

General enquiries

Centre for Human Bioethics
Room W925, West Wing, Menzies building, Clayton campus
Telephone +61 3 9905 4279
Email human.bioethics@arts.monash.edu.au
Visit http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/bioethics

For information about postgraduate studies in bioethics, please email human.bioethics@arts.monash.edu.au