Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit increases students' awareness and critical thinking skills related to a diverse range of ethical dilemmas. The unit is designed to arm students with thinking skills and knowledge in ethics to enable them to respond in respectful ways in the workplace and in their personal lives to a variety of ethical issues. As such, this is a multidisciplinary unit involving Philosophy; Animal Biology; Anatomy and Human Biology; History of Health Science; and Pharmacology across four schools of this University (School of Humanities, School of Agriculture and Environment, School of Human Sciences, and School of Biomedical Sciences). Teaching in Philosophy includes different approaches to ethical theory and the code of ethics relating to various fields of study or professions. Animal Biology explores animal ethics and welfare using current dilemmas such as genetically modified animals, the use of animals in research, farming systems and entertainment industries. Anatomy and Human Biology highlights issues involving human reproduction. History of Health Science focusses on issues such as scientific fraud and whistleblowing. Pharmacology takes a global approach to drug discovery, development, marketing, and use. Ethical issues for low and middle income countries in comparison with richer nations are emphasised.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)On-campus

The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.

Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 option in the Artificial Intelligence major sequence
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) recognise ethical issues in various fields of study and professions; (2) apply theoretical frameworks to analyse ethical practice; (3) identify core values of ethical practice relating to various fields of study and professions; (4) apply moral sensitivity to analyse competing interests in diverse contexts; (5) engage in informed discussion and ethical reasoning to reach morally defensible decisions; and (6) communicate orally and in writing on ethical issues in a logical, organised manner that clearly and accurately conveys their thoughts, arguments, evidence, reasoning and conclusions.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial activities and (2) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Lynette Fernandes
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
48 points
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials: 3 hours per week for 5 weeks
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.