Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit focuses on the full range of ethical issues that arise in research involving humans, including medical, scientific and social research. It covers topics such as acceptable and unacceptable risks to research participants, conflicts of interest, informed consent and waiver of consent, surrogate decision making, biobanks, commercialization of medical and scientific research, and research conducted on vulnerable people. Throughout the unit use will be made of case studies, ethical frameworks and principles, and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Participants will have ample opportunity to discuss their own experiences with human research ethics.

Objectives

1. To obtain a comprehensive grasp of the full range of ethical issues that can arise with research involving humans
2. To understand the ethical frameworks and principles relevant to human research
3. To be able to use ethical principles and reasoning to arrive at well-argued conclusions about particular ethical dilemmas in human research
4. To obtain a thorough understanding of The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and how it is applied in concrete cases
5. To obtain a good understanding of international guidelines on human research ethics.
6. To be able to critically engage with the bioethical literature around the ethics of research involving humans and construct arguments for novel conclusions in relation to that literature

Assessment

Class presentation: 20%
Assignment 1 (2,000 words): 20%
Assignment 2 (5,000 words): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Michael Selgelid

Contact hours

The unit will consist of two intensive weekend seminars at Caulfield campus.

Prerequisites

One of APG4393 or APG5393

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/bioethics/pgrad/units/chb4300.php