Program Overview
Examples Of Bioethics In Nursing
Bioethics, however, is a quasi-social science that offers solutions to the moral conflicts arising in medical and biological science practice. There have been different ethical approaches to the issues in the history of philosophy. Bioethics, branch of applied ethics that studies the philosophical, social, and legal issues arising in medicine and the life sciences. It is chiefly concerned with human life and well-being, though it sometimes also treats ethical questions relating to the nonhuman biological environment. Bioethics presents learners with an overview of the major bioethics concepts, principles, and issues. Each module includes background on a particular topic along with relevant case studies. Learners are introduced to essential and foundational elements of the topic grounded by the field’s scholarly literature. (See Bioethics Tools). This article is intended to be a brief introduction to the use of ethical principles in health care ethics. Students of clinical ethics will find additional information and deeper analysis in the suggested readings below. Bioethics presents learners with an overview of the major bioethics concepts, principles, and issues. Each module includes background on a particular topic along with relevant case studies. Learners are introduced to essential and foundational elements of the topic grounded by the field’s scholarly literature.
The Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Bioethics is offered by the Department of Public Health Sciences in collaboration with the Joint Centre for Bioethics. This professional master’s program is designed for health practitioners, researchers, and administrators.
The goal of the program is to develop students’ knowledge and skill competencies in bioethics education, research, and practice in order to strengthen ethics capacity in health organizations. The majority of MHSc graduates use their training to enhance their existing clinical/research/administrative role, for example through participating as a chair/co-chair of an ethics committee, a research ethics board member, or a contributor to bioethics education and scholarship. Some MHSc graduates pursue the role of a practising health-care ethicist in a health-care organization by completing a formal practice-based training program (e.g., fellowship) in clinical/organizational ethics.
The MHSc in Bioethics is conducted in a modular format and has no thesis requirement, allowing high-achieving professionals to earn a master’s degree without interrupting their careers. Students are exposed to the breadth of clinical, organizational, and research ethics issues facing our health system today, with a strong emphasis on interprofessional exchange and practical experience informed by theory (including a practicum component).
Bioethics Definition
Students interested in an interdisciplinary research program may wish to consider the Collaborative Specialization in Bioethics.
Quick Facts
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Application payment deadline | MHSc: 18-Jan-2021 | MHSc: 18-Jan-2021 |
| Supporting documents deadline | MHSc: 18-Jan-2021 | MHSc: 18-Jan-2021 |
| Minimum admission average | MHSc: Mid-B in final year of bachelor’s | MHSc: Mid-B in final year of bachelor’s |
| Program length (full-time only) | MHSc: 6 sessions | MHSc: 6 sessions |
Master of Health Science
Program Description
The MHSc in Bioethics is a two-year, course-based program with no thesis requirement. It is conducted in modular format to allow high-achieving professionals to earn a master's degree without interrupting their careers. The program's interactive, problem-based learning approach provides students with knowledge and skills that can be applied to a variety of health, health care, and health research contexts. Expert faculty and guest lecturers help students bring theory and practice together to address real-world ethical challenges. Students interested in a research-stream program should consider the Collaborative Specialization in Bioethics.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Dalla Lana School’s additional admission requirements stated below.
Normally, an appropriate bachelor's degree and a recognized degree in one of the health sciences (e.g., MD, BScN, BScOT, BScPT, BSW) or equivalent with a minimum mid-B average in the final year. Applicants from other disciplines are considered on an individual basis.
The program favours individuals with outstanding academic credentials and demonstrated evidence of scholarly ability and personal maturity.
Potential that the applicant will provide significant bioethics leadership in his or her home institution or local community upon completion of the MHSc in Bioethics.
Program Requirements
This course-based program is offered in modular format in 24 two-day Thursday/Friday blocks from September to April, normally over two years; certain international students may complete all coursework in one academic year. The program does not include a distance-learning option.
A major paper of publishable quality on a topic of the student's choice.
Students must complete 8.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including a 1.0 FCE practicum as outlined below.
Courses as outlined below.
Program Length
5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)
Time Limit
3 years full-time
Required Courses
Courses are restricted to students officially enrolled in the MHSc in Bioethics and the Collaborative Specialization in Bioethics, except where noted.
Year 1
CHL 3001Y Core Topics in Bioethics
CHL 3003Y Empirical Approaches in Bioethics
CHL 3005H Legal Approaches to Bioethics
HAD 5771H Resource Allocation Ethics
PHL 2146Y Topics in Bioethics
Year 2
CHL 3002Y Teaching Bioethics
CHL 3004Y Ethics and Health Institutions
CHL 3006H Writing in Bioethics
CHL 3008Y0Applied Learning in Bioethics (practicum)
CHL 3051H Research Ethics
CHL 3052H0Practical Bioethics (capstone course)
0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.
News and Upcoming Events
Bioethics Public Seminar Series
What do LGBTQ patients want from their healthcare providers? Join us for this exciting and timely conversation with a panel of MSU alumni, featuring: Emily Antoon-Walsh, MD, MA, FAAP (she/her); Barry DeCoster, PhD (he/him); and Henry Ng, MD, MPH, FAAP, FACP (he/they).
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021
12:00-1:00 pm ET
Register: bit.ly/bioethics-jan27
Event Flyer
Dr. Sean A. Valles appointed Director, Dr. Karen Kelly-Blake promoted to Assistant Director
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sean A. Valles as Center Director. Additionally, associate professor Dr. Karen Kelly-Blake has been promoted to Assistant Director. Visit our blog to learn more.
Read a joint statement from Dr. Valles and Dr. Kelly-Blake on moving toward a new health justice and equity mission for the Center.
No Easy Answers in Bioethics
My Experience Living with a Spinal Cord Injury: Kelly-Blake and Van Linden - Episode 22
Our May podcast episode features features a personal narrative of life with a spinal cord injury. Center Associate Professor Dr. Karen Kelly-Blake is joined by Mark Van Linden, MSA, and president of Adversity Solutions LLC. Mr. Van Linden candidly shares his story, discussing his life before and after his injury, and addressing not just the physical impact, but the mental, emotional, and relational impact of becoming paralyzed at age 39.
CRISPR Dangers Highlight the Need for Continued Research on Human Gene Editing
Bioethics Topics
Jennifer Carter-Johnson, PhD, JD
Join the discussion! Dr. Carter-Johnson will respond to comments posted through December 15, 2020.
Dr. Jennifer Carter-Johnson is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Law in the Michigan State University College of Law..