think logo
Login

Bioethics – Lesson Plan & Course Overview

Course Texts & Materials

  • Required Text: Classic Cases in Medical Ethics: Accounts of Cases That Have Shaped Medical Ethics, 3rd Edition
ISBN: 0-07-303986-1 | LOC: R724.P36 2000
  • Supplemental Materials: Selected readings and case studies provided throughout the course.
  • Online Resources:
    • Class Homepage: Contains handouts, old tests, suggested readings, and helpful links.
    • Quizlet: Students are encouraged to create an account and share their username to be added to the class for vocabulary practice.

Course Description

Bioethics explores the ethical implications of biological research and medical practice. Students will examine dilemmas arising when scientific facts in medicine or genetics conflict with societal norms and needs. Emphasis will be placed on understanding relevant biological knowledge and applying ethical decision-making at the individual, community, and national levels.
The course will include:
  • Case studies from medical history and current research
  • Ethical frameworks for analyzing dilemmas
  • Philosophical, legal, and cultural perspectives on medical ethics

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Understand and critically analyze bioethical dilemmas in medicine and biology.
  2. Apply ethical reasoning to complex case studies.
  3. Research and synthesize scientific and ethical sources into well-supported written arguments.
  4. Communicate ethical reasoning both orally and in writing.
  5. Engage in informed discussions and debates regarding medical and scientific ethics.
Learning Objectives

Course Requirements & Assessment

1. Case Studies – 50%
  • Students will complete case studies after each major section of the text.
  • Each study requires research and a written opinion essay with parenthetical citations from peer-reviewed sources.
  • Minimum passing grade: 50%. If below 50%, the student must redo the case study until the grade meets the requirement.
  • Case studies are due on assigned dates; late submissions must be arranged in advance with the instructor.
2. Projects – 20%
  • Projects will be assigned throughout each quarter, often focusing on ethical analysis, presentations, or creative solutions to dilemmas.
  • Deadlines: Projects are considered late if not submitted at the start of class on the due date. Each late day lowers the grade by one full letter.
  • Absent students must submit their project via email on the due date and bring a hard copy when returning to class.
  • Projects below 50% must be redone until the grade meets the minimum requirement.
3. Quizzes – 15%
  • Quizzes will be given at the end of each week.
  • Unless otherwise stated, quizzes will be completed using a Google Form link in the Weekly Syllabus and Chapter Notes.
  • Quizzes must be taken within the allotted time (usually 4 days), or 10 points will be deducted per late day.
4. Homework – 10%
  • Homework will be assigned approximately four times per week and reviewed in class.
  • Late homework will have points deducted.
  • Minimum passing grade: 65% to pass the quarter.
  • Homework may be submitted via Google Forms, on paper, or electronically if technical issues arise.
5. Discussion – 5%
  • Weekly discussion grades will reflect the quality of student contributions in class and online discussions on scientific topics.
  • Focus is on critical thinking, analysis, and engagement rather than mere participation.

Academic Integrity

Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited:
Plagiarize

Plagiarize

Using another’s words or ideas without proper credit.
Cheating

Cheating

Dishonest manipulation of exams, assignments, or class materials.
Violations will result in an automatic zero for the assignment, which must be redone for no credit.

Submissions

  • All essays and projects must be emailed to jhale@gardenschool.org in one of the following formats: text, PDF, MS Word, or Google Drive.
  • Students are responsible for keeping digital and/or hard copies of all submitted work.
  • When required, students may use a Jump Drive for project or presentation submissions.
Weekly Lesson Plan Outline

Weekly Lesson Plan Outline

Monday
  • Topic: Introduction to Bioethics & Course Overview
  • Activity:
    • Review syllabus and grading policy.
    • Explore the class homepage and Quizlet setup.
  • Homework: Read Chapter 1 and take notes on key ethical principles.
Tuesday
  • Topic: Historical Cases in Medical Ethics
  • Activity:
    • Discuss classic case studies from the textbook.
    • Identify ethical dilemmas and societal impact.
  • Homework: Prepare a brief written summary of one case study.
Wednesday
  • Topic: Ethical Frameworks & Decision-Making
  • Activity:
    • Lecture and discussion on consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics.
    • Apply frameworks to selected case studies.
  • Homework: Complete a case study essay using proper citations.
Thursday
  • Topic: Contemporary Ethical Issues
  • Activity:
    • Analyze current medical research dilemmas (e.g., genetic testing, patient autonomy).
    • Debate differing perspectives in class.
  • Homework: Complete the assigned reading and prepare discussion points.
Friday
  • Topic: Research & Presentation Skills
  • Activity:
    • Workshop on developing strong ethical essays and case study arguments.
    • Practice presenting findings to peers.
  • Homework: Begin project research and outline.
Special Notes
  • Students must keep organized notes for each class.
  • Any missed presentations or discussions must be reviewed, and a written summary must be submitted within 48 hours.
  • Advanced work may include additional research papers or presentations for enrichment credit.