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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Science, Ethics and Society
Module Code BE331
School School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Rosaleen Devery
Semester 2: Rosaleen Devery
Autumn: Rosaleen Devery
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
This module will map developments in science, societal attitudes to science, ethics and growth of bioethics;introduce the student to the subject of ethics with particular reference to developments in biotechnology and biomedical science; teach ethics through case studies and group work.

Learning Outcomes
1. Appreciate risk, precaution and trust
2. Discuss current bioethical issues affecting people and animals
3. Formulate a view on how to promote democratic decision making in the biosciences
4. Construct reasoned arguments to support their position on the ethical and social impact of advances in the biosciences



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22No Description
Group work13No Description
Independent learning90No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
1. Brief History of Science and Societal attitudes to Science.
Enlightenment, Modernism & Postmodernism.

2. Public evaluation of science and technology,.
Role of media, models for communication of science with public.

3. Introduction to Bioethics.
o Definitiono Development of Ethics Ancient Greeks Judaeo-Christian ethics Natural Law Ethics after 16th Century• Ethical Theories: deontological, consequentialism / utilitarianism and virtue ethics Growth of Bioethics Ethics in 21st century• The issues• Society Making ethical decisions Standards of ethical conduct in biosciences.

4. The Practice of Bioethics.
o Risk, The Precautionary principle and Trusto Administration of Science & Technology in Ireland Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency, Health Research Boardo Regulation National Council for Bioethics, Government departments (Health & Children, Agriculture & Food, Justice), Environmental Protection Agency, Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, Food Safety Authority in Ireland, Irish Medicines Boardo Intellectual Property & Patenting.

5. Ethical, legal, social issues regarding human genome project.
o genetic information and abuse;o genetic database,o patenting human genes.

6. Ethical, legal and social issues involved in stem cell therapy.
o The importance of public consultationo Opinion Report of Irish council for Bioethics ( May 2008)o Major technical challenges to be overcome in taking stem cells to clinico Chimeras, Hybrids and Cybridso The significance and promise of iPS cellso Consent for derivation of human iPS cells.

7. Ethical, legal and social issues with regard to genetic modification.
o animalso foodso crops.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
PresentationHow science, risk, precaution, trust are communicated in the media20%Week 4
Report (s) (written / oral)Individual stakeholder report on Case Study35%Week 12
PresentationIdentification of key issues in case study, explanation of complexities from Irish perspective and formulation of a set of recommendations25%Week 20
PresentationPeer review of case study20%Week 24
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2
Indicative Reading List
  • John Bryant, Linda Baggott la Velle, John Searle: 2005, Introduction to Bioethics, 1st, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England, 0470021985
  • John Bryant, Linda Baggott la Velle, John Searle: 2002, Bioethics for scientists, 1st, Wiley, Chichester, England, 0471495328
  • Ben Mepham: 2005, Bioethics an introduction for the biosciences, 1st, Oxford University Press, Oxford OX2 6DP, 0-19-926715-4
  • Jeremy Rifkin: 1999, The biotech century : how genetic commerce will change the world, 1st, Phoenix, London :, 075380848X
  • Richard Sherlock and John D. Morrey: 2002, Ethical issues in biotechnology, 1st, Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham, Md, 0742513777
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
GCBBSc in Genetics & Cell Biology
Timetable this semester: Timetable for BE331
Date of Last Revision21-MAY-08
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