Ethical Issues in the Life Sciences (U02573)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : BMS-4-MEethics

This course aims to give students an understanding of the principles, rules and legislation that govern experimentation in the life sciences, and the application of discoveries to seek to modify the functioning of living organisms.

The objectives are to understand the constraints and controls, and their rationale, that are applied to: experiments on animals and on humans, including clinical trials; studies of developing animals, and human embryos; production of genetically modified organisms. To understand the principles and operation of peer review, with respect to scientific publications and research grant proposals. To understand confidentiality, and the implications of legislation about data protection and freedom of information, and the importance of exclusions. To be able to identify the ethical issues around published scientific studies, and to assess whether ethical obligations have been met.

Teaching methods: The course will include lectures and seminars covering core aspects of the subject. Students will be organised into small teams and give oral presentations focused on analysis of contemporary life science research or practice that raises ethical issues.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Medical Biology (Biomedical Sciences), (School of Biomedical Sciences, Schedule T)

Other subject areas

Medical Biology (Biological Sciences), (School of Biological Sciences, Schedule K)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 4 hour(s) per week for 6 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
07/01/2008	15:00	17:00			Biomedical Seminar Room 6

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	15:00	15:50	Central
Lecture	Thursday	15:00	15:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : Student presentations:

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Understanding of the ethical restrictions on research on animals and humans, their implication and monitoring. Ability to make informed assessment of ethical issues in the life sciences - applied and research.