Biomedical Ethics

Catalog description

This course introduces students to some of the major issues of biomedical ethics. Biomedical ethics refers to the study of ethical issues that arise within the fields of medicine, biology, and healthcare, particularly regarding the application of new technologies in research, treatments, and prevention, and the possible impact of such practices on societal norms. Among the issues of biomedical ethics are the morality of: genetic engineering, organ donation, medical resource allocation, cloning, stem cell research, privacy and data security, the environmental impact of technologies and procedures, and whistleblowing on defective medications, incompetent healthcare professionals, and dereliction of duty. Students will become acquainted with the different moral frameworks which guide decision-making processes, and examine major biomedical problems in today’s society. Ultimately, students will develop and defend their own views on controversial topics through discussion and writing. Spring.