Bioethics is a philosophical study of the ethical controversies brought about by the above mentioned advances in biology and medicine. Bioethicists attempt to answer the ethical questions that arise in the relationships between life sciences, biotechnology, medicine, politics, law, philosophy, and theology. As a movement, bioethics began in the late 1960's - during an era of intense social upheaval in North America. Since that period, bioethics movement has taken the form of an academic discipline.The course introduces students to the history of bioethics, to the role of various theories and approaches in bioethics, to medical and environmental ethics as well as to ethical questions related to novel biotechnologies.
The students will be also introduced to biolaw and its developments.The Introduction to Bioethics is designed for BA, MA and doctoral students. It is intended for students who can tie in bioethics with their primary field of study such as philosophy, theology, ethics, medicine, biosciences, law or adjacent fields.The course consists of lectures, case-based workshops, reading and a study journal which will be completed during the course. Prior to the course, all students are asked to write an orientation paper (2 to 3 pages) on the basis of given reading.
University of Helsinki has become a prominent centre for the study of bioethics, medical ethics, and biolaw. Professor Jaana Hallamaa (social ethics) and Professor Raimo Lahti (biolaw) have lead the research project "Towards a Sustainable Stem Cell Research Culture", funded by the Academy of Finland. The research project has several postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates, many of whom will be teaching in the course together with Prof. Hallamaa, Prof. Lahti and University Lecturer Pekka Louhiala who is an internationally recognized teacher of medical ethics. The other lectures' names will be announced in the spring of 2011.
Period
09-08-2011 - 25-08-2011 (3 weeks)
Target group
This course is designed for BA, MA and doctoral students. It is intended for students who can tie in bioethics with their primary field of study such as philosophy, theology, ethics, medicine, biosciences, law or adjacent fields.
Course aim
The course consists of lectures, case-based workshops, reading and a study journal which will be completed during the course. Prior to the course, all students are asked to write an orientation paper (2 to 3 pages) on the basis of given reading.
Credits
6.0 ECTS credits
Course fee
EUR 600: Registration fee 100 EUR/150 EUR (until 31 May / after 31 May)
Course fee: 450 EUR Accommodation 430-770 EUR
Course leader
University lecturer Mr. Ville Pivnsalo
Helsinki Summer School is supported by a consortium of nine universities in the Helsinki region.
Address: P.O. Box 3 University of Helsinki
Postal code: FI-00014
City: Helsinki
Country: Finland
Website: http://www.helsinkisummerschool.fi/home/index
E-mail: summer-school@helsinki.fi
Phone: +358 (0)9 191 24766
