LX4553: LAW AND MEDICAL ETHICS (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05

Course Overview

Changes in medical technology frequently cause changes in ethical attitudes and in the content of the law. The purpose of this course is to explore the interaction between law, ethics and medicine with an emphasis on the ethical aspects.

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	4
Term	Second Term	Credit Points	30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Mr Scott C. Styles

Qualification Prerequisites

One of Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4 or Programme Level 5

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Either LS2527 Introduction to Legal Theory (Passed) or BSc Medical Science (Medical Humanities) (Studied)
Either LS1025 Legal System (Passed) or BSc Medical Science (Medical Humanities) (Studied)
Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
Either Legal Studies (Ma Honours) (LX) (Studied) or BSc Medical Science (Medical Humanities) (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

LS4553 Law and Medical Ethics (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

Course Aims:

To explore and critically evaluate the key principles of the law and medical ethics.
Through the seminar, to develop legal research, reasoning, analysis and legal argument skills, and also oral, written and team working skill, and the opportunity to respond constructively to feedback.
To provide students with the above knowledge and skills, to enable them to progress in their studies with greater understanding and confidence.

Main Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course students will understand and have critically evaluated the concepts and principles from their study of Contract Law.

Subject-Specific Skills and Concepts

This course considers, at an advanced level, a number of themes concerning law and medical ethics. The course approaches a selection of current problems in contemporary medicine rom the legal and sometimes philosophical perspectives. Topics addressed in this course are likely to include: key issues in medical ethics, Euthanasia, Abortion, Infertility and assisted reproduction, the body as property, Consent to Medical Treatment and the genetic revolution: genetic screening and wrongful life.

Key Skills (Transferable)

Communicate orally and in writing;
Ability to work effectively in small groups to contribute to the group’s task;
Ability to work independently, to organise and manage time, stress and effort in performance of tasks;
Problem solving skills;
Critical analysis;
Logical argument;
An ability to synthesise and organise complex materials and arguments;
With limited guidance act independently, and where appropriate as part of a team, in planning and undertaking tasks;
Conduct formal and informal oral presentations;
Make appropriate use of technology in research, writing and oral presentations; and
Reflect on own learning and to seek and make use of feedback.

Content: This course will explore critically evaluate key issues in medical ethics, Euthanasia, Abortion, Infertility and assisted reproduction, the body as property, Consent to Medical Treatment and the genetic revolution: genetic screening and wrongful life.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

2x 2500 word essay 50% each

Resit: resubmission of failed elements

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Factual	Remember	ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.