B0404 - BIOETHICS AND LAW

Learning outcomes

This module explores the most relevant ethical and legal issues debated in contemporary bioethics and biolaw field, specifically related to the beginning and end of life's decision-making.

Course contents

The module aims to provide students with the main conceptual tools required to identify and critically analyse ethical issues arising in medicine, healthcare, and the life sciences.


The module will cover the following topics:

Main ethical theories, principles, and methods in bioethics

Autonomy, informed consent, and the right to self-determination

Justice, equality, and access to healthcare

Ethical issues concerning reproductive health and the beginning of life

Ethical issues concerning end-of-life care and decision-making

Ethical issues raised by biomedical and digital health technologies

Basic elements of biolaw, with particular reference to reproductive health, end-of-life decision-making, and the use of health technologies

Readings/Bibliography

To pass the course, students are required to study the materials uploaded weekly to Virtuale. These will include the lecture slides and, where appropriate, selected articles or other readings related to the topics discussed in class.

For students wishing to explore the course topics in greater depth, the following book is recommended:

Ruth F. Chadwick and Udo Schüklenk, This Is Bioethics: An Introduction, Wiley-Blackwell, 2021.

 

 

 

Teaching methods

Teaching consists of traditional lectures, class discussions, and the guided discussion of scientific articles and case studies.

Assessment methods

Students are assessed through a written multiple-choice examination. As this module is part of an elective integrated course, the final outcome is recorded as a pass and not as a numerical grade out of 30.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, scientific articles, and case materials.

Office hours

See the website of Elisabetta Lalumera