Unit information: Research Ethics in 2011/12

Unit name	Research Ethics
Unit code	MEDIM6008
Credit points	15
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Deans
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Medical School (PHS)
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This Unit aims to provide students with a systematic understanding and critical awareness of some of the key issues and dilemmas arising in the context of medical research as opposed to clinical practice. It will examine why we need research ethics and the major safeguards to protect the rights and interests of participants in research. The Unit will include the following topics: (i) An overview of major themes and concepts in research ethics, including the possibility of a 'duty to participate' in research, (ii) Consent and capacity as they apply to research; (iii) Risk in research, (iv) Research with vulnerable groups, (v) International research ethics, and (vi) The process of ethics review by independent committees.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this Unit, students will be able to:

1. Systematically understand core ethical and legal issues arising in medical research with human participants;
2. Critically assess and apply these issues to some of the core dilemmas arising in research, including developing original arguments and reflecting on their validity;
3. Undertake independent research on ethical and legal aspects of research ethics, drawing on appropriate methodology and research tools; and
4. Show evidence of soundly reasoned and clearly communicated scholarship in health care ethics and law as it applies to research ethics.

Teaching Information

Student centred teaching & learning strategies will be promoted using the following methods:

• Student-centred seminars
• Student-led seminars
• Small group exercises

Assessment Information

Assessment of this unit will involve either: (a) A written assignment of no more than 3,000 words or (b) An oral presentation of 30 minutes and a written reflection on the oral presentation of 800 words.

The Unit Director will decide which option is to be taken.

If chosen, the oral presentation will be double marked according to standard marking criteria for oral presentations. Students will also be offered training in oral presentations and will receive formative feedback from staff and students following their presentation.

Reading and References

1. Murphy TF. (2004). Case Studies in Biomedical Research Ethics. MIT Press.
2. Long T. & Johnson M. (2006). Research Ethics in the Real World: Issues and Solutions for Health and Social Care Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone.
3. Loue S. (2000). Textbook of Research Ethics: Theory and Practice. New York: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
4. Smith Iltis A, Ed. (2005). Research Ethics. New York: Routledge.
5. Foster C. (2001). The Ethics of Medical Research on Humans. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
6. Royal College of Physicians. (2007). Guidelines on the practice of ethics committees in medical research with human participants. London: Royal College of Physicians.