| CODE | HSC2001 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Critical Thinking in Ethical Applications for Bioscientists | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Faculty of Health Sciences | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit is concerned with the application of creative and critical thinking processes to problem solving and practical decision-making sessions which are encountered when conducting research. This will be applied also to contemporary concerns and professional and personal responsibilities when conducting research. Such ‘contemporary’ issues include amongst others embryonic stem cell research, new generation sequencing, incidental findings, data sharing, three parent embryos, biobanking, use of tissues and archival research, genetic manipulation and animal research. This section of the study-unit will empower students when critically discussing the nature and role of theories, in guiding decision making at the workplace and when undertaking research. Through guided group discussions, students will develop and discuss case studies, arising from practice. This will enable students to demonstrate their understanding of theory and their awareness of ethical considerations. Utilising these case studies, students will be facilitators of their colleagues learning through active and dynamic discussions and debates. Additionally students will become aware of their own assumptions and prejudices that may impact on their own professional development and practice. Study-unit Aims: - To develop professional responsibility and accountability when conducting research and within workplace settings. - To examine contemporary research issues within a comprehensive theoretical framework. - To expose students to various ethical issues that one may encounter when conducting research. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Discuss critically the nature and role of theories in guiding sound decision-making in research; - Explore the application of creative and critical thinking processes to problem-solving in research contexts and professional practice domains; - Discuss policies related to research ethics; - Provide informed public comment regarding current research relating to medical biochemistry. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Engage in reflective and critical practice on dilemmas encountered in the relevant literature and in research relating to biochemical issues for professional development of self and others; - Recommend ethically appropriate research interventions; and - Justify selected scientific procedures for research in relation to ethical principles. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Beauchamp, T.L & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. 7 th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. - Brookfield, S. D. (1991) Developing Critical thinkers, Challenging adults to explore alternative ways of thinking and acting. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers. - Debono, E (2015). Serious Creativity: A Step-by-Step Approach to Using the Logic of Creative Thinking Serious Creativity. London: Vermilion. - Hubrecht, R.C. (2014). The welfare of Animals used in Research. Sussex: Wiley Blackwell. - LEVINE, C(2012). Taking sides: Clashing views on bioethical issues. McGraw Hill Higher Education. - PAUL, R. W. (1993). Critical thinking, What every person needs to survive in a rapidly changing world. 3 rd ed. - RICHARDS, T., RUNCO, M. A. & MOGER, S.(2006). The Routledge Companion to Creativity, Routledge. - Strech, D. & Mertz, M. (2016). Ethics and Governance of Biomedical research: Theory and Practice. Springer. |
||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Independent Study | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
|
||||||||||||
| LECTURER/S | Claude Julien Bajada Anthony Bugeja Bridget Ellul Rosienne Farrugia Therese Hunter Christian Scerri Josianne Scerri (Co-ord.) Christian Zammit |
||||||||||||
|
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
|||||||||||||