Bioethics and Medical Law induction information

About your programme

Module information

You’ll complete your course one block or ‘semester’ at a time. In each semester you’ll study modules. Some are core modules you have to take – others you’ll be able to choose between when you arrive, personalising the course to your interests.

In your first semester you will study the following modules:

• Human Beings and Human Action 

Human Beings and Human Action

This module offers a detailed exploration of some of the central conceptions about the human person in Western philosophical and theological traditions and of central themes and important schools within this tradition.

Aims

• To explore some of the central concepts of the human person in Western philosophical and theological traditions
• To distinguish, without separating or reducing, the transcendent and material aspects of human persons
• To explore some of the central themes and important schools within the tradition of Western moral philosophy
• To consider the meaning of the language used in ethical debate
• To examine forms of moral argument and the justification for ethical claims
• To analyse contemporary biomedical debates for their underlying philosophical and theological principles, values, and views of the human being
• To distinguish different traditions of argumentation in ethics and their use of key terms
• To consider comparative European approaches to human dignity and autonomy.
• Credits: 30
• Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life 

Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life

This module analyses the key principles, concepts and theory concerning the understanding of the beginning of human life. Complimenting BML7014 and BML7017, this module will explore more thematic issues that will bring context to the theory and offer further scope for critique and reflection of the central social and ethical questions. The module will examine some of the key advances in assisted reproductive technologies and biotechnology, whilst also looking to the future and considering the implications and issues that are likely to shape the agenda in the coming years.

Aims

• To explore ethical issues concerning the bringing to be of new human life and the protection of the neonate.
• To consider the ethical implications of new reproductive technologies.
• To help students apply conclusions from reflection on the philosophy and theology of the human being to specific moral questions.
• Credits: 20
• Ethical Issues at the End of Life 

Ethical Issues at the End of Life

This module analyses the key principles, concepts and theory concerning the understanding of the end of human life. Building upon the central philosophical and medical law concepts covered in the core modules (BML7014 and BML7017) this module will explore more thematic issues that will bring context to the theory and offer further scope for critique and reflection of the central social and ethical questions. The module will consider the ethical implications of modern medicine on end of life decision-making.

Aims

• To explore ethical issues concerning the approach of death and the direct or indirect bringing about of death.
• To consider the principles of consent and beneficence in the treatment of dying patients.
• To help students apply conclusions from reflection on the philosophy and theology of the human being to particular moral questions.
• Credits: 20
• Service-Learning Based Research 

Service-Learning Based Research

This service-learning based module requires 150 hours minimum of volunteering and/or work in the charitable sector in service of the community. It will include the development of a portfolio which links the service to the community with the learning outcomes of the course and academic and practical research in the relevant field. The portfolio will include a reflective journal, a review of academic/think-tank articles, and a report or paper.

This is an independent study module, supported by supervision from one of the course team and by an appropriate member of staff at the organisation at which they are volunteering. The volunteering can take place at any time and will be limited to a UK registered charity. The student is responsible for organising the volunteering or paid service to the community, though advice will be given by the Course Lead. This module will be supported by group study seminars and workshops. If you are already working or volunteering in the charitable sector, this module can be based around that community service.

Further information about the structure of your course can be found within the programme specification document.