Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the student with the tools to understand the multiplicity of arguments on moral issues related to the research and development of biotechnological applications to be aware of the motivations that underlie choices and rules that affect biotechnology, helping him to delve deeper into his personal ethical position.
Prerequisites
No one
Course unit content
The first lessons have the goal of providing fundamental information on bioethics. The subsequent lessons will concern the ethical aspects of more specifically biotechnological interest. Particular attention will be paid to developing the ability to analyze and discuss bioethical aspects, detailed in the program, involving biotechnological research.
Full programme
The origins and development of bioethics; Morality and bioethics as applied ethics: Cultural models of the Societies; Genetically modified organisms: human-nature relationship and the precautionary principle; Bioethical aspects of the use and conservation of genetic information obtained from the patients; Bioethical aspects of biotechnology related to human and animal reproduction, eugenics; Bioethical aspects of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: reproductive and therapeutic cloning; Ethics of animal experimentation.
Bibliography
Lectures will be supported by power-point presentations and literature, which will be provided to the students.
Teaching methods
The course is carried out with frontal lessons of two hours each in presence (in the classroom) and in telepresence (if necessary) with the support of the Teams platform. In this way, the possibility of interacting in real time with the Teacher both in person and remotely will be preserved. The lessons take place with the aid of iconographic material collected in presentations which will be made available to students on the Elly platform (https://elly2024.medicina.unipr.it/). In each meeting one of the topics indicated in the program will be developed . The lesson includes a presentation by the teacher who introduces the topic. The topic is then discussed by illustrating the different interpretative approaches. Students are encouraged to express their opinion and discuss. The aim is to offer an opportunity for information and critical thinking training. At the end of the lesson the teacher summarizes the positions that emerged and recommends further reading
Assessment methods and criteria
The examination is oral and aims to assess the bioethical skills acquired , through open-ended questions ,and request to argue and compare thesis and different models. The examination also include the discussion of a topic, chosen among those presented during the course , on which it is carried out a specific study.
Evaluation criteria are:
- Argumentative skills;
- Accuracy and competence in the terminology adopted during the oral examination;
- Ability to join technical, and International comparative data during the discussion of chosen topic;
At the end of the examination each teacher will formulate a judgment:
A. Excellent knowledge and understanding of the topic. High capacity for critique and analysis of the issues. Mark out of thirty: 30.
B. Good knowledge and understanding of the subject with some serious inaccuracies. Good ability to critique and analysis of the issues. Mark out of thirty: 27-29.
C. Good knowledge and understanding of the subject despite some shortcomings. Ability to critique and analysis of themes: Mark out of thirty: 24-26.
D. Knowledge and understanding of the fully sufficient even if there are obvious gaps. Mark out of thirty: 21-23.
E. Knowledge and understanding of the subject with just enough obvious and serious flaws. Mark out of thirty: 18-20.
“Lode” will be offered to students who have achieved 30/30, for the demonstration of independence of judgment, high communication skills and ability.
Other information
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