LLM Healthcare Ethics and Law / Course details

Section 1:           Ethics, Genetics and Genomics: An introduction 

Section 2:           Genetics and genomics and the existing ethical and legal framework 

Section 3:           Incidental findings 

Section 4:           Genetic storage and biobanking 

Section 5:           Privacy and Access to Genetic Information 

Section 6:           Prenatal genetic testing, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and newborn screening 

Section 7:           Human Genetic Manipulation 

Section 8:           Personalised/Precision Medicine 

Section 9:           Cloning 

Section 10:        Genetically Modified Organisms  

The unit aims to provide a thorough grounding in the ethical debates surrounding the new genetic technologies and their social application.
The primary focus will be on the use of genetic technologies in respect of human genetics and reproduction, but attention will also be given to the genetics manipulation of other organisms (and, in respect of "synthetic biology", the possibility of creating entirely new organisms).

By the end of the course unit, successful students will have:
- developed an appreciation and understanding of the ethical issues raised by genetics and the of genetic science, both in terms of medical decision-making and social policy more widely developed their skills in understanding and presenting clear arguments.

At the end of this Course Unit you should: 

• have a good understanding of the relevance of ethics to decision making in the context of genetics and the applications of genetic science; 

• have developed your appreciation and understanding of the ethical issues raised by genetics and genomics, its use when applied in the context of medical decision making and in the social policy dimensions of the applications of genetics; 

• be acquainted with philosophical arguments in the context of practical dilemmas as they arise in the context of medical genetics and the applications of genetic science in society more generally; 

• have developed your skills in understanding and presenting clear arguments.

This blended learning course unit is taught using distance learning materials. The module is based on the distance-learning version of the course, and as such, most learning is self-directed, based on prepared course materials.  Campus based students do, however, have the opportunity to attend a number of seminars throughout the semester (10 hours). The course materials are encourage students to develop coherent argumentative positions, and practise and develop their skills in this area. Feedback is given within the seminars. The seminars allow students an opportunity to discuss the work completed. 

Course materials 

These course materials are designed to guide you through the areas of study. The text provides an introduction to the issues and skills central to the Course Unit and directs you to other study components such as further reading and Blackboard discussion topics. However, the teaching text and its guidance are not intended to be exhaustive. To get the most out of this Course Unit you should do as much independent reading as possible. Whilst the Course Units’ reading list (below) provides guidance to this independent reading, you are also encouraged to explore other relevant literature and cases, and to bring your powers of critical reflection to bear.

Blackboard learning environment 

As well as these materials you have access to a wealth of resources in our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Blackboard. You can access Blackboard online via the University portal my.manchester.ac.uk (you can also reach this page by Googling ‘My Manchester’). You will need your University username and password – given to you on completion of registration – to gain access. When you are logged into the portal you should see a ‘courses’ tab at the top of the page and Ethics, Genetics and Genomics should be listed there. Click on this to take you to the site. If you have any problem with access let us know as soon as possible. 

In the Ethics, Genetics and Genomics section of Blackboard you will find electronic versions of these materials, guidance on critical thinking, essay writing, referencing and plagiarism, and lots of other essential and useful information. You can also get in touch with your fellow students on the discussion boards.

You will be assessed by coursework. There will be one essay of 3,000 words. The essay topic will be provided by the tutor for this Course Unit.

Assessment will be by one essay of 3,000 words. The essay topic will be provided by the tutor of this Course Unit. 

Feedback on progress will provided throughout this course via one-to-one email or phone contact and via the online discussion boards. Formative feedback will also be provided by way of peer assessment via online discussion. 

Feedback on assessed written work is provided online providing comprehensive feedback giving both broad indications and detailed comments on strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.