Online Biomedical Ethics Class and Course Information

Online university courses in biomedical ethics are offered for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as working professionals. Read on to learn about an array of courses that address ethical issues pertaining to technological advances in biology and medicine.

Overview of Online Courses in Biomedical Ethics

Online biomedical ethics courses are offered as part of degree-granting and certificate programs designed to support a philosophical examination of ethical controversies in biology and medicine. Students from varied backgrounds take these courses, including health professionals, social workers, chaplains, teachers, lawyers and university undergraduates. Graduates of online biomedical ethics degree programs work in divergent settings, such as hospitals, government agencies, research centers and universities. Most programs also feature open enrollment for students and professionals who want to take a single course.

Technical Requirements

Students need access to a computer and the Internet, with a browser capacity that supports the latest versions of Mozilla, Internet Explorer or Netscape. Courses may require students to have access to Microsoft Office, a recent version of Windows Media Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader. In some cases, students may need a sound card with speakers or a headset, CD-ROM drive and printer. An active e-mail account is necessary to communicate with teachers or fellow students.
Often, these courses occur via online learning platforms such as Blackboard; thus, students submit assignments on a prearranged schedule. Course timetables commonly follow university academic calendars. Exams may be taken online or at approved sites under the supervision of a proctor. Degree and certificate programs in biomedical ethics are available entirely online or through a hybrid on-site and online format.

List of Online Biomedical Ethics Courses

Fundamentals of Biomedical Ethics Course

Students explore major topics in the field of biomedical ethics, such as genetic testing, abortion, human experimentation and euthanasia. Courses often examine relevant legal cases and may consider formal constructs of medical morality, such as the Hippocratic Oath. Introductory biomedical ethics courses emphasize developing a capacity to utilize ethical principles and reasoning in personal and professional situations.

Clinical Biomedical Ethics Course

Methods of analysis for biomedical ethics are a focus of these courses. Problem-solving methods, medical recording and documentation, practices of informed consent, resource allocation and physician-assisted suicide are examples of topics used to analyze ethical medical practice. Relevant cases generally are discussed.

Biomedical Research Ethics Course

The field of bioethics is examined as it relates to scientific research and integrity. Courses emphasize ethical perspectives toward research that uses human volunteers or animal subjects. Students look at research ethics committees, research ethics literature and federal regulations regarding research conduct.

Legal Perspectives on Biomedical Ethics Course

These courses examine the history of biomedical ethics, the U.S. legal system and relevant legal cases that have shaped biomedical ethics in the last 30 years. Case topics include end-of-life care, organ transplantation, doctor-patient relationships and reproduction.

Sociological Biomedical Ethics Course

Cultural values and perspectives on life and death, the self and the body situate any discussion regarding biomedical ethics. Students read sociological, anthropological and philosophical texts to examine current issues in biomedical ethics and to analyze how factors like economics, gender and the media influence bioethical problems and resolutions.