Students

PHIL706 – Research Topics in Bioethics

2019 – S1 Online

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor and Lecturer
Wendy Rogers
Lecturer
Robert Sinnerbrink
Lecturer
Jane Johnson
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit examines contemporary research topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics through the medium of film, supplemented with readings. The selected topics align with the research projects and expertise of members of the Philosophy Department. Examples of potential topics include: the ethics of animal-human relationships; cinematic ethics; ethics of organ donation and procurement; ethics of surgery and surgical innovation; the nature of moral cognition; and justice and public health ethics. Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of the major debates relevant to each topic, and acquire the necessary research skills for pursuing their own research project.

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:

  • Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
  • Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
  • Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects

General Assessment Information

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

All extensions require an approved application for Special Consideration. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Topic based posts 25% No Tuesday of assigned week
Presentation 20% No Monday Week 12
Research essay 40% No Friday Week 13
Participation 15% Yes Ongoing

Topic based posts

Due: Tuesday of assigned week
Weighting: 25%

For one of the course topics you will be responsible for providing:

  • short summaries of the assigned sources (text and film)
  • a number of questions to prompt online discussion by your peers; and
  • engaging with and commenting on the discussion of your peers. 

This task will be assessed by the following criteria: accuracy and succinctness of the summaries, and quality of the discussion questions. A detailed rubric for this task will be supplied on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
  • Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics

Presentation

Due: Monday Week 12
Weighting: 20%

You will give a presentation providing the context and motivation for your research essay (why is it interesting and important) and outlining how you will approach your essay.

This task will be assessed by the following criteria: clarity of presentation (visual and verbal), content, structure and argument. A detailed rubric for this task will be supplied on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
  • Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics

Research essay

Due: Friday Week 13
Weighting: 40%

You will write a research essay on a topic that you develop in consultation with one or more of the course lecturers. The essay will engage in-depth with a key course theme or question.

This task will be assessed by the following criteria: content, structure, argument, critical analysis and written expression. A detailed rubric for this task will be supplied on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
  • Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics

Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

Discussion is a vital part of learning in philosophy. Students will discuss unit material via the discussion forum.

This task will be assessed by the following criteria: quality of your posts and their timeliness (you should post within a week of the topic). Quality is not just measured by the philosophical content of your posts, but by your willingness to engage and be responsive with your peers.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
  • Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
  • Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects

Delivery and Resources

Required readings will be provided through the iLearn site. Seminars will be recorded and available through iLearn.

All students need access to a secure and reliable server for access to iLearn and submission of assessment tasks.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/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 improve your marks and take control of your study.

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.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
  • Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
  • Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects

Assessment tasks

  • Topic based posts
  • Presentation
  • Research essay
  • Participation

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
  • Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
  • Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects

Assessment tasks

  • Topic based posts
  • Presentation
  • Research essay
  • Participation

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
  • Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
  • Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects

Assessment tasks

  • Topic based posts
  • Presentation
  • Research essay
  • Participation

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources (including film) concerning key concepts, positions, and arguments in bioethics
  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
  • Analyse, reflect on and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in bioethics and cinematic ethics
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
  • Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects

Assessment tasks

  • Topic based posts
  • Presentation
  • Research essay
  • Participation

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
  • Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects

Assessment tasks

  • Topic based posts
  • Presentation
  • Research essay
  • Participation

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Acquire advanced knowledge of the key issues, concepts and arguments in the following areas of bioethics - animal ethics and vulnerability, organ donation, activism and bioethics, and the ethics of surgical innovation
  • Develop the necessary research skills to pursue an original research project in bioethics or cinematic ethics
  • Work collegially with peers to develop and improve concepts, arguments and projects

Assessment tasks

  • Topic based posts
  • Presentation
  • Research essay
  • Participation

Changes from Previous Offering

This is the third offering of this version of PHIL706. Material has been streamlined and some content changed in response to student feedback in 2018.

Changes to assessment made in 2018 have been retained.