BETH5000: Methods in Bioethics
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Unit of study_

BETH5000: Methods in Bioethics

2025 unit information

This unit of study provides students with a foundational understanding of the methods employed in bioethical analysis and argumentation. This unit explores the meaning of 'bioethics' as a concept and practice, both historically and in contemporary discussions. The seminars introduce a diverse range of normative, argumentative, and empirical methods used in bioethics. We consider the relationship between scholarship, advocacy, and activism in bioethics, as well as epistemic justice, reflective equilibrium, and critical approaches to bioethics. We consider the role of theology and metaphysics in contemporary bioethical debate. Learning activities will include intensive workshops and small group discussions.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Medicine and Health

Study level Postgraduate
Academic unit Public Health
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Have developed and enhanced skills in the use of philosophical methods in bioethics, particularly the use of analysis and argumentation
  • LO2. Describe and critically reflect on the role of moral theory in bioethics
  • LO3. Articulate and critically engage with a range of methods and framings used in contemporary bioethics
  • LO4. Assess the legitimacy of various critical perspectives on ‘bioethics’ research and scholarship

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2025
Block mode Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Semester 2 2025
Online Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 Early 2020
Normal evening Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 Early 2020
Online Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal evening Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal evening Remote
Semester 2 2021
Online Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 2 2022
Online Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2023
Online Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2024
Online Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.