Learning Objectives

• Analyse bioethics organisations and structures at global, European, and national levels (UNESCO, WHO, Council of Europe, and Ethics Committees).
• Understand the legislation governing Ethics Committees (ECs), the National Network of Health Ethics Committees (RNCES), and clinical research legislation to better understand their roles and develop applicable decision-making models.
• Explore organisational ethics and ethical decision-making models as tools for moral deliberation to improve quality and efficiency.
• Apply principles of scientific integrity in all decision-making processes.
• Investigate and gain an in-depth understanding of ethical decision-making models, with particular emphasis on Diego Gracia's model.
• Apply these models in bioethical mediation and consultancy processes.
• Develop ethical sensitivity to identify, deliberate on, and make decisions regarding ethical issues.
• Foster an interdisciplinary approach to complex ethical challenges and promote responsible practices in healthcare and biotechnology.

Syllabus

• Bioethics Organisations and Structures: UNESCO, World Medical Association, World Health Organization (WHO), Council of Europe, European Commission, and National Ethics and Bioethics Councils.
• Legislation and Regulation: Regulations governing Ethics Committees (ECs), the National Network of Health Ethics Committees (RNCES), and clinical research legislation.
• Ethical Decision-Making Models: Different models and their importance for organisations; moral deliberation tools to improve quality and efficiency; Diego Gracia's model in healthcare.
• Organisational Ethics: Values and mission, codes of ethics, the role of organisational ethics, scientific integrity (ALLEA Code), and its application.
• Practical Application: Bioethical mediation and bioethics consultancy within organisations.
• Ethical Competencies: Ethical sensitivity, identification of ethical dilemmas, informed deliberation, and promotion of responsibility.

Assessment

Students may choose between the following two assessment methods:

1. Oral Presentation of a Practical Case

Students must select a practical case, preferably a real-life situation, involving an ethical issue or dilemma.

During the oral presentation, students must:

Describe the case.

Apply an ethical decision-making model.

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the stages of ethical deliberation.

Justify the decision made, highlighting the ethical values and principles involved and explaining how the proposed solution promotes responsible and sustainable practices.

2. Preparation of an Ethical Opinion

Students must prepare an ethical opinion on an ethical issue or dilemma previously addressed during the PhD programme or independently selected.

The ethical opinion must include:

Identification of the ethical issue.

Detailed analysis.

Recommendations.

Critical reflection.

Both assessment methods encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, developing critical analysis, informed decision-making, and effective communication skills. Furthermore, they promote interdisciplinarity and critical reflection.