Undergraduate Courses BIOENG 1241

BIOENG 1241 - Social, Political and Ethical Issues in Biotechnology

Instructor: Pinkus

Credits: 3

Term:

Description: This course supplements traditional bioengineering education by combining the methods of applied ethics, history and practical "hands on" expertise of engineers and FDA officials. It will acquaint bioengineering students with methods to identify, articulate and resolve ethical dilemmas intrinsic to their work. They both share values and particular concerns derived from practice. This value context will be identified and discussed. A case-based approach will be stressed.

Prerequisites: Senior standing in Bioengineering

Required Text:
Engineering Ethics: Concepts and Cases (2nd Edition)
Charles E. Harris, Jr., Michael S. Pritchard, Michael J. Rabins,
Wadsworth Press; Belmont, CA, 2000

Course Objectives: To enable students to recognize that both engineering and medicine are practiced within a broad societal context.

Topics Covered: History of bioethics, ethics & bioengineering, becoming a responsible engineer, tests and methods for moral problem solving, the role of professional societies in engineering; risk, safety and liability in engineering, research in bioengineering.

Class/Laboratory Schedule: Class meets once a week for three hours.