96898 - Principles of Biomedical Ethics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will: Know the principles of biomedical ethics and will be able to identify the ethical dilemmas they may encounter in clinical practice

Course contents

During the lectures, the following topics will be addressed:

• Introduction to Bioethics: origins, methods, and areas of application. Ethical dilemmas and practical dilemmas.

• Major ethical theories: principlism (the four principles approach), utilitarianism, deontology, ontological personalism, virtue ethics, and care ethics.

• Truth-telling.

• Confidentiality.

• Ethical issues at the beginning of life.

• Ethical issues at the end of life.

• Research ethics.

• Digital health technologies: artificial intelligence and wearable devices.

Readings/Bibliography

During the course, the teaching material will be provided and the presentations of the lessons will be available on Virtuale.

Teaching methods

The teaching methods include:

• Interactive lectures

• Guided discussion of case studies

• Small group work

• Use of digital materials shared through the Virtual learning platform

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of a single multiple-choice test for the entire course, made up of 30 multiple-choice questions (10 for each module).

Students will have 30 minutes to complete the exam. The outcome of the assessment will be either PASS or FAIL.

To pass the exam, students must achieve a passing grade in each module (at least 6 correct answers out of 10 per module).

Teaching tools

PC, video projector.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Ingravallo