LAWS 2014 Bioethics

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 201044

Coordinator Patrick Foong Opens in new window

Description This subject covers the ethical and legal issues associated with medical practice and research, including issues raised by new developments in biotechnology. Topics covered include the following: the nature of moral thinking, issues of life and death, experimentation and research involving human subjects, genetic technology, new reproductive technologies, consent and confidentiality.

School Law

Discipline Law, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 2013 AND
LAWS 1009

Equivalent Subjects JUST 2002 - Bioethics

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Critically apply major ethical theories and concepts to biomedical issues and problems.
  2. Engage in critical, interdisciplinary analysis of the causes, consequences and problems of contemporary patterns of health and illness and biomedical research.
  3. Examine ethical and legal issues raised by recent developments in biotechnology.
  4. Apply relevant ethical and legal ideas to practical bioethical problem situations and biomedical law reform.

Subject Content

  1. Introduction to bioethics law
  2. Medical and health ethics and law
  3. Health and medical research
  4. Biotechnology: Cloning and stem cell research
  5. Genetic technology 
  6. Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
  7. Consent, confidentiality and privacy
  8. Surrogacy
  9. Euthanasia 

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task Mandatory
Participation Ongoing 10 N Individual N
Essay 1500 words 45 N Individual N
Final Exam 24 hours 45 N Individual N

Prescribed Texts

  • Ben White, Fiona McDonald, Lindy Willmott, Health Law in Australia (Thomson Reuters, 4th ed, 2023).

Teaching Periods

Autumn (2024)

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Patrick Foong Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Autumn (2025)

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Patrick Foong Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Structures that include subject