Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Historical & Philosophical Inq
How is trust in the health sciences sustained? Health professionals make high-stakes decisions which affect the lives of others. What values must be taken into account when these decisions are made? How can professionals take responsibility for these decisions? In this interdisciplinary course we engage in practical discussions of the development of a professional ethos, the notion of human flourishing, and the legal framework in which medical professionals operate, including important recent law changes.
How is trust in the health sciences sustained? Health professionals make high-stakes decisions which affect the lives of others. What values must be taken into account when these decisions are made? How can professionals take responsibility for these decisions? In this interdisciplinary course we engage in practical discussions of the development of a professional ethos, the notion of human flourishing, and the legal framework in which medical professionals operate, including important recent law changes.
Some of the content and resources used in this course are contentious, difficult, confronting and/ or may cause distress including topics like abortion, surrogacy, death, end of life care of children, withdrawing care, rationing resources in a disaster etc. All content is examinable so in choosing to undertake this course students must recognise that some content may cause disquiet and thatﾠ they may be challenged in their thinking. The course aims to ﾠencourageﾠ students to think, to reason, to make decisions,ﾠ and to be responsible for their decisions and actions.ﾠﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
There is no specific assumed background for this course. Students who are interested in the philosophical and legal dimensions of healthcare are likely to find the course interesting and practically useful. This course includes Bachelor of Health Science students and others. The course will be of particular interest to those considering work in the health sector. Any undergraduate students at UQ can participate in the course.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Michael Vincent
Mr Steven Jones
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Any additional information will be on blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to offer students an opportunity to explore the relationship between ethics and the law in health as it applies within public, local and global contexts. Ethical and legal dimensions of clinical practice, health research, as well as industry, organisational and Indigenous ethics are included.
Students will be able to further develop their critical thinking, analysis, and decision-making skills while applying key foundational ethical and legal concepts to real and hypothetical scenarios.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify and articulately describe core ethical concepts in health care and relevant concepts and institutions of the legal system.
LO2.
Engage with actual and hypothetical case studies to demonstrate a sound understanding of the application of key ethical and legal principles and reasoning.
LO3.
Demonstrate the ability to identify potential ethical and legal issues arising in of health science environments; apply key foundational ethics and legal concepts and principles to resolve issues and provide advice.
LO4.
Demonstrate the ability to identify and describe relevant issues arising from the complexities of working ethically in a diverse community. This includes understanding special considerations required when working with vulnerable populations such as children and minority groups.
LO5.
Demonstrate a commitment to contributing as an engaged, knowledgeable, effective learning peer by actively participating and engaging in lecture and tutorial discussions, on-line discussion groups, and case-study analyses.
LO6.
Have a strong practical ability to seek resolutions between competing values in ethical and legal dilemmas.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution | Class and Discussion Board Participation | 30% |
6/03/2025 29/05/2025 |
| Quiz |
Online Quiz week 5
|
10% |
28/03/2025 7:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Case Study Essay Plan
|
10% 500 words |
17/04/2025 5:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Case Study Essay | 50% 2500 words |
30/05/2025 11:59 pm |
Assessment details
Class and Discussion Board Participation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
6/03/2025
29/05/2025
Task description
Class participation grading activities will be held in Weeks 2 - 13 (note: no Fri tutorials Week 8).
Students will be required to attend classes regularly in order to receive full marks for participation (practical activities, discussion, and engagement) in tutorials. You do not need to attend every class for a 100% grade.
Some preparation for the tutorials, such as completing short readings, may be important for getting is required. These readings, along with the material coming from the lectures, will be discussed in each tutorial
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI in completing this assessment task.. Students must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
- Students who will have serious difficulty participating are strongly encouraged to arrange a Student Access Plan with UQ's Accessibility and Welfare Advisers.
- Because attendance is not required at every class, occasional illness or timetable clashes should not interfere with your grade, and so there is no need for you to get an extension for these.
Online Quiz week 5
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
28/03/2025 7:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
During week 5 there will be an online quiz comprised of a mix of multiple choice questions and true/false questions worth 10%. The quiz will cover the content from Weeks 1 to 4.
Questions will either be correct or incorrect. Only one attempt is allowed for the quiz.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension information here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Case Study Essay Plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10% 500 words
- Due date
17/04/2025 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Choose any real case study that is interesting to you as the basis for your final essay, and write an essay proposal including a bibliography. A template for the task will be provided. Your research proposal is intended to be the basis for the final case study/essay assessment task. You will be expected to address some of the key concepts or issues discussed in the course.
Your proposal should be straightforward; you need to get to the point, use clear and precise language, and there should be a succinct statement of what the study proposes to do at the start, e.g., ‘In this essay I will examine …’ or ‘This essay aims to …’. Your proposal should be clearly organised; written in simple, logical, prose.
All assessment is designed so that you can demonstrate your understanding of the subject material and your analytical ability to reflect critically and engage with the substantive arguments contained in the readings and lectures.
Submission
- You must submit an electronic copy only through Turnitin under 'Assessment' on Blackboard. Your assignment does not count as having been officially submitted unless you have successfully submitted it through Turnitin. All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after ten business days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
- In line with university policy, late penalties and penalties for plagiarism, colluding, or inappropriate word count will apply.
- In line with common writing practices in philosophy, law, and ethics, students may write in first or third person.
- Due to the limited word count it is imperative that arguments are clear, concise, and well-organised.
Word count
- Check, via your word processor program, the word count of your paper to ensure it is within the required word limit (quotations count towards the word limit, reference lists and bibliographic footnotes do not). Essays under or over the word limit are subject to deduction of marks. 10+/- applies
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Extension information here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
Case Study Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50% 2500 words
- Due date
30/05/2025 11:59 pm
Task description
A comprehensive case-study analysis of a case of your choice.
Student will be required to identify and apply key ethical and legal issues relating to an ethical and legal conflict or dilemma arising from pre-clinical, health science, or other related environment.
The focus of the analysis should be on demonstrating an ability to identify, describe relevant issues and apply course learnings.
Word Count: 2500 words
- References are required and are not included in the word count.
- Each page should be numbered.
- In line with university policy, late penalties and penalties for plagiarism, colluding, or inappropriate word count will apply.
- Texts and references should be cited according to the University guidelines. In line with common writing practices in philosophy, law and ethics, students may write in first or third person.
- Due to the limited word count it is imperative that arguments are clear, concise, and well-organised.
The written assessment should be divided into:
1. Outline of case study and conflicts or dilemmas.
2. An introduction including what the analysis aims to do and the central legal and ethical question/s;
3. Main discussion: a discussion of relevant ethical and legal dimensions and their application to the case.
4. A conclusion asserting what you paper aimed to do, what the key issues you identified were, and what you have concluded from your analysis. New information should not be included in the conclusion.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Ability to define the topic or philosophical issue under debate. (Topic definition.)
2. Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument for a certain point of view. (Argument and Structure.)
3. Depth and breadth of understanding of the various positions in a philosophical debate. (Scope and Depth of Treatment)
4. Insight and/or originality in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument. (Originality)
5. Capacity to produce a polished, well-written and appropriately referenced essay. (Presentation)
(See the criteria sheet on Blackboard.)
Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Extension information here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 1, Low Fail (0-24% ), is generally awarded in cases where some assessment has been submitted, but it is of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. In work submitted, however, there is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field of study or basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 2, Fail (25-44%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, and as such, does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 4, Pass (50-64% ), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 5, Credit (65-74%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 6, Distinction (75-84%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 7, High Distinction (85-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Mandatory Assessment:
- Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
Turnitin:
- By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
- All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. You must check that the receipt confirms that submission has been successful.
- A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.
On-time Submission:
- Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
- It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
Academic Misconduct:
- Plagiarism, asking or paying someone else to do your work, or illicit use of AI is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
Feedback:
- Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
- For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result
ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Resources will be indicated on Blackboard
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Introduction; The ubiquity of values 1.1 Introduction to the course - the ECP, assessment, course expectations |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Principlism, pluralism, and problem solving in clinical ethics 2.1 Basic moral reasoning and the health sciences |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3: The division of responsibility and professional ethics 3.1 The Role of Professionals 3.2 Arguing Philosophically |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4: The reasons we have, consent, disability 4.1 Problem solving in practical ethics and clinical ethics 4.2 Ideas about right reasons, personal choice, and disability. |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Act/omission and double effect Two important concepts when understanding active interventions including VAD |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Law and Health 1 6.1 Introduction to legal processes 6.2 Health law |
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Week 7: Law and Health 2 7.1 Professionalism and Health Care Regulation in Australia (National Law/AHPRA). 7.2 Law, autonomy and consent |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Law and Health 3 8.1 Law and ethics at the beginning of Life (Abortion wrongful birth, wrongful life and prenatal Injury, Assisted Reproduction and Surrogacy) |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Law and Health 4 9.1 End of life: Law and ethics at the end of life. (Voluntary Assisted Dying, Advanced Care Planning and the witholding and withdrawal of treatment) |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10: Public health 10.1 Ethics and politics of public health |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Research Integrity, research on sentient beings 11.1 Research Integrity, 11.2 Research on sentient beings (including humans, privacy matters) |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12: Genetic technologies 12.1 Health futures: genomics, AI and biotechnology 12.2 Clinical genetics and genetic counselling ethics |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13: Summary Conclusion and preparation for final assessment
|
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.