Electives - Humanities in Medicine

Ethics, Society and Human Biology

Elective Number: 3521 (arranged)

Course Supervisor: Dr. James F. Childress

Also associated with the program: Ruth Gaare Bernheim, Richard J. Bonnie

Designated Signer: Dr. Marcia Childress, 5361 Barringer

Evaluation should be given to: Professor James Childress

Available: Rotations 6 - 13

Duration: Maximum 8 weeks; Minimum 2 weeks

Report to: Dr. James F. Childress

Time to Report: TBA

Place to Report: Institute for Practical Ethics, 2400 Old Ivy Road

Attendance: Attendance at elective activities is mandatory.

• Anyone who is ill or has a personal or family emergency must contact Student Affairs and the course director.
• Students are allowed to take off up to 1 day per week to interview between November 1 and February 1.
  • Specific days missed must be approved by the Attending on Service.

Number of students per rotation: Minimum of 1, Maximum of 4

Course Description: This is an independent research opportunity for students interested in the ethical and social dimensions of human biology and medicine, especially as they play out in practical terms, in professional life and practice, education and research, social and cultural change, and public policymaking. Students are based in the university-wide Institute for Practical Ethics for a period of two to eight weeks and develop their own projects in relation to ongoing Institute initiatives and in close consultation and collaboration with the Institute's core and affiliated faculty. Institute interests include but are not limited to medical, ethical, legal and social implications of human genetic information and related policies and practices; public health issues, law, and ethics; environmental choices; health and human rights; and the ethics and values of professional life. Students also attend Medical Center Hour.

The elective affords students opportunities to:

• Explore ethical and social aspects of human biology and medical practice and policymaking;
• Carry out independent research on topics in ethics and social medicine;
• Participate in an interdisciplinary ethics institute engaged in a variety of teaching and research projects throughout the university; and
• Have access to a university-wide network of distinguished faculty with expertise in ethics, law and related fields.

This description is a general overview. The instructor(s) will establish the schedule and particular requirements at the time of the course.