Undergraduate Course: Ethical Issues in the Life Sciences (MBBM10013)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biomedical Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 10 |
| Home subject area | Medical Biology (Biomedical Sciences) |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | 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 (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
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. |
Assessment Information
| Student written report |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | MEDBIOEthical |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Martin Simmen
Tel: (0131 6)51 1773
Email: M.Simmen@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Lisa Ketchion
Tel: (0131 6)51 1629
Email: Lisa.Ketchion@ed.ac.uk |
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