Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL2039: Bioethics: DNA-technologies, Ethics and Human Identity

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

This module aims to:

familiarise you with the history of, and different positions, theories and problems in current bioethics;
familiarise you with ethical issues of genetics, stem cell research and issues of social and cultural identity, through engagement with applied case studies;
advance your ability to analyse texts, criticize, empirical and philosophical arguments and reflect on your own preferences in making arguments and your ideas of right and wrong.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a range of key topics in bioethics; 2. understand and apply different empirical and theoretical perspectives in bioethics; 3. critically appraise forms of argument on ethical issues from different philosophical and sociological perspectives.
Discipline-Specific Skills	4. analyse arguments in moral philosophy and social ethics; 5. demonstrate the ability to engage with both abstract and practical ethical issues.
Personal and Key Skills	6. develop the ability to write scholarly, well-argued reflective essays; 7. construct normative arguments; 8. practice expressing your own thoughts and ideas at different levels of abstraction in discussion and writing.

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following themes:

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	22	Weekly 40 min lecture and weekly 80-minute seminar.
Guided Independent study	48	Weekly reading
Guided Independent study	25	Preparation of presentation and recording
Guided Independent study	55	Research for essay

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).