Bioethics

Navigate the Ethical Questions of Medicine and Science: How do we know what’s right and wrong in medicine, public health, and life sciences? In this course, you’ll explore some of today’s most pressing ethical dilemmas that significantly impact the medical field. Through engaging debates on topics like the “right to die,” vaccination policies, organ transplants, genetic technology, and animal research, you’ll learn how to discuss differing views with respect. Innovative research projects and interactive discussions will help you develop critical-reasoning skills and think deeply about how we balance individual rights, societal needs, and scientific advancement. The course ends with a deep dive into a bioethical issue of your choosing, helping you understand the crucial role bioethics plays in shaping the future.

Why Take This Course? If ethical questions in health and science spark your curiosity, this course will sharpen your critical thinking and broaden your perspective on complex issues. You’ll gain the skills to navigate real-world challenges and form your own stance on pivotal bioethical debates—an invaluable foundation for future studies and careers in medicine, science, or ethics. Access the Summer Course Outline.

Students in GOA courses will need reliable access to a computer with webcam/microphone connections, an email address (preferably school-based), a Web-conferencing app (GOA courses use Zoom), and a Word processing app (GOA courses use Google’s G Suite). When necessary, alternative arrangements may be made. Some courses require additional materials which can be found here.

UC-approved course

View Course Outline