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BIOETHICS
MASSIMILIANO MARINELLI

Seat Scienze
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 6
Hours 48
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code ST01 3S068

Prerequisites

Knowledge of the basics of biology, genetics and general ethics.

Development of the course

lectures are planned (6 credits, 48 hours). At the front course is flanked teaching activity through a web platform containing inter alia: teaching materials, events, clarifications on specific aspects of the program, and the possibility of interaction between students and the teacher.

Learning outcomes

knowledge:
The course enables students to acquire the basic knowledge about the history, the development of bioethics, to learn the ethical and methodological foundations of a moral argument about the problems arising from the development of the applications of biology and genetics in the field of human and animal (fertilization assisted, stem cells, genetic engineering, CRISP-CAS, pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics).

Ability to apply the knowledge:
The student will also acquire the following professional skills: ability to identify ethical issues in the various fields of biology activity and critically analyze aspects of the new biotechnologies.

Soft skills:
The particular language of bioethics, that requires both biological techniques linguistic proficiency and humanities ethics and methodology of argumentation that takes place through an extensive reflection groups, help to improve the degree of independence of judgment in general, the ability to communicate that also stems from working in groups, the ability to learn independently and to draw conclusions.

Program

Content (lectures, 6 CFU, 48 hours):
Introduction to ethical reflection
The nature of ethics
The fundamental concepts of moral action
Ethical pluralism
History and principles of bioethics
Bioethics according Potter
Jonas and the principle responsibility
The currents of bioethics
The issues of bioethics
The principles of bioethics
ethical and legal considerations on the use of biotechnology
The age of biotechnology
Features of biotechnology research
Ethical issues on the use of human stem cells
therapeutic cloning
The human embryo
GM animals:
The patentability of living organisms
Animal testing
Interests or rights?
Genetic engineering and the Human Genome Project
genetic testing
pharmacogenomics Pharmacogenetics
gene therapy
CRISPR-CAS9

Development of the examination

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
The exam is oral and consists of a discussion of the educational content of the course. The questions tend to test learning in each of the three areas of training course: bioethics and his arguments, ethical developments of major scientific research programs, the relationship with the animal world and their testing.

Criteria for assessing learning outcomes: 
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the evolution, the reference principles of bioethics and the ethics of argumentation methods applied to biotechnology, as well as to have acquired basic knowledge on major scientific research programs and their possible developments. It must also show that they have acquired the ability to assess the extent of technological evolution ethics in biology and genetics with regard to the destiny of man and the animal world.

Criteria for measuring learning outcomes:
The final mark is awarded out of thirty. The exam is passed when the grade is greater than or equal to 18. It is expected to be awarded the highest marks with honors (30 cum laude).

Criteria for conferring final mark:
The final grade is given by adding up the feedback of the answers to the questions in the three training areas. Praise is attributed when the score obtained from the previous sum reaches 30/30, and at the same time the student has demonstrated full mastery of the subject.

Recommended reading

lecture notes, slide material present in
https://www.facebook.com/Marinellibioetica/
Reichlin M, Etica della vita, nuovi paradigmi morali, Bruno Mondadori, 2008
Viafora C., Gaiani A, (a cura di) A lezione di bioetica FrancoAngeli, 2015
Marinelli M., Trattare le malattie, curare le persone, FrancoAngeli, 2015

Courses

• Scienze biologiche