- Biomedical Ethics

Catalog description

This course focuses on a variety of ethical issues arising in the context of biological research, health, and medicine. Students will be introduced to the major theories and methods of biomedical decision making. The aim is to provide them with the concepts and tools necessary for engaging critically with ethical questions arising from the practice of medicine and the rapid development and commercialization of biomedical technologies. Topics include genetic testing and genetic medicine, genetically modified organisms, abortion, cloning, the use of stem cells, reproductive technologies, and organ donation, as well as the just allocation of healthcare and other scarce resources (like organs, vaccines), ethical issues surrounding the use of human and nonhuman subjects in research, and global disparities in health and healthcare access.