Course Description
The ways in which bioethical and human developmental theoretical perspectives and information can assist in considering the implications of medical technologies for human flourishing. An empirically driven approach to learning about new medical technologies and assessing their utility. Practical implications for those who plan to work in a medical or therapeutic field or contribute to the creation or implementation of medical or health care policy.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will complete additional readings from the professional and academic literature and develop a paper or project based on current research in the field. In addition, students will present the information on their selected topic to undergraduates in the class. Graduate students will also meet with the instructor outside of class throughout the semester regarding this paper and/or project.
Athena Title
Med Tech Ethics and Hum Dev
Undergraduate Prerequisite
HDFS 2100 or HDFS 2100E or HDFS 2100H or HDFS 2200 or HDFS 2200E or HDFS 2200H
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will understand how to identify cutting edge medical technologies that have profound implications for human development.
- Students will understand how to evaluate the various ways in which the medical technologies present both opportunities and ethical issues/dilemmas for people.
- Students will understand how to apply theory to evaluate current global and domestic policies related to the medical technologies discussed.
- Students will understand how to deliberate individually and collaboratively, using their understanding of principles and theories of optimal human and family development, about what they believe should be society’s reaction to the advent of these new medical technologies.
Topical Outline
- Introduction to Moral Principles in Bioethics and Bioethical Theories
- Review of Relevant HDFS Theories
- Emerging and relevant lines of research and medicine that have implications for human development and flourishing. Selected Topics may include:
o Artificial Reproductive Technologies (may include but not limited to: gamete harvesting and storage, pre-conception genetic testing, preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening, embryonic transfer of mitochondrial DNA, embryo implantation choices and regulation, choices related to unused embryos through in-vitro fertilization, collaborative reproduction and surrogacy, and/or prenatal cell-free DNA testing)
o Human Milk Banking and Biotechnology
o Gene Editing/CRISPR Technology
o Stem Cell Research and Technology
o Genetic Testing for Future Disease Probability
o Pharmacogenomics
o Vaccines
o Organ Transplant and Donation
o Xenotransplantation and Transgenesis
o Hormone Treatment for Gender Dysphoria/Transgender Athletic Competition
o Prosthetics and Other Skeletal Enhancements
o End-of-Life Body Preservation/Choices
