Learning outcomes of the course unit
The purpose of the course is to provide students with tools to understand the multiplicity of arguments about the moral issues related to research and development of biotechnology applications in medicine, veterinary medicine and pharmacy, thus, to be aware of the reasons that are the basis for choices and rules which invest biotechnology.
Course contents summary
The first lessons have the task to supply fundamental information on the bioethics. The following lessons will address the legal and ethical aspects of biotechnological interest, that have been developed both in Italy and in Europe. Particular attention will be turned to develop the ability to analyse and discuss etichs aspects, detailed in the program, that involve the biotechnological research.
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.
Corbellini G., Perché gli scienziati non sono pericolosi. Scienza, etica e politica. Longanesi, Milano, 2009
Comolli GM : Manuale di Bioetica http://www.gianmariacomolli.it/bioetica-comoll
Lectures will be supported by slides and literature, which will be provided to the students.
The course is structured in lectures of two hours each. Each meeting will develop one of the topics described in the program. The lesson includes a presentation of the teacher who introduces the topic. The topic is then discussed illustrating the different interpretive approaches. Students are encouraged to express their opinions and discuss. The purpose of providing an opportunity for information and training of critical thinking. At the end of the lesson the teacher makes a summary of the positions emerged and recommended 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.