Students
PHIX3051 – Contemporary Topics in Applied Ethics
2021 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor and lecturer
Jane Johnson
Lecturer
Paul Formosa
Lecturer
Mianna Lotz
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will examine cutting edge topics in applied ethics curated by leading researchers in the field. Topics will be refreshed each year and may include exploration of: ethical issues in the use of AI and machine learning; animal ethics; ethics of emerging technologies including in healthcare, reproductive and genetic technologies, and computing; family ethics; children's rights and welfare; contemporary challenges in research ethics; climate change and environmental ethics. Discussion will be structured around key concepts, themes, ethical frameworks and questions such as personhood, autonomy, harm, dignity, justice, rights, vulnerability, integrity and accountability. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: explain some of the current debates and topics in contemporary applied ethics
- ULO2: analyse arguments in the relevant literature
- ULO3: critically evaluate relevant theories and arguments
- ULO4: communicate clearly your own perspective on the views and arguments presented in the unit
General Assessment Information
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven days (including weekends) after the original submission date.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation | 20% | No | Ongoing |
| Reflective writing tasks | 20% | No | 23:59, Sunday, 12/09/2021 |
| Philosophical Essay | 40% | No | 23:59, Sunday, 07/11/2021 |
| Online quizzes | 20% | No | 23:59, Sunday, weekly |
Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%
Demonstrating preparation for the weekly topics through active participation in online discussions
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain some of the current debates and topics in contemporary applied ethics
- analyse arguments in the relevant literature
- critically evaluate relevant theories and arguments
- communicate clearly your own perspective on the views and arguments presented in the unit
Reflective writing tasks
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 23:59, Sunday, 12/09/2021
Weighting: 20%
Reflective writing tasks
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain some of the current debates and topics in contemporary applied ethics
- analyse arguments in the relevant literature
- critically evaluate relevant theories and arguments
- communicate clearly your own perspective on the views and arguments presented in the unit
Philosophical Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 23:59, Sunday, 07/11/2021
Weighting: 40%
In-depth analysis of a key question in applied ethics using the authors and arguments studied throughout the unit
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain some of the current debates and topics in contemporary applied ethics
- analyse arguments in the relevant literature
- critically evaluate relevant theories and arguments
- communicate clearly your own perspective on the views and arguments presented in the unit
Online quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 23:59, Sunday, weekly
Weighting: 20%
Short online quizzes to test student understanding of key concepts and ideas
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain some of the current debates and topics in contemporary applied ethics
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Technology used: You will require access to a computer and a good internet connection in order to participate in the unit effectively. The unit has an iLearn site where activities are set and unit materials distributed. Written tasks will be submitted via the plagiarism detection software turnitin.
Required readings: required readings are available for download from the library via Leganto.
You must read the required readings BEFORE participating in the lecture and tutorial.
Recommended readings: As well as the required reading, recommended additional readings for each topic are listed on iLearn. You do not need to read these each week but they are highly recommended for a better understanding of the topics.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2021.04 of the Handbook