FLME30020 Medical Law & Ethics

Academic Year 2020/2021

**REMINDER: MEDICAL STUDENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS MODULE DUE TO DUPLICATION OF CONTENT**

This module will cover a range of issues in medical law and ethics, both in the abstract as well as in the specific Irish context (together with some international comparisons, when useful). We will examine some key concepts, such as negligence, autonomy, consent, confidentiality and best interests, we will examine situations arising at the beginning and end of life, we will look at the roles of the doctor, the lawyer, the healthcare manager and the patient. Some familiarity with law or with philosophical ethics would be very useful (but not essential) before taking this module. Genuine interest in the area is necessary as you will be required to participate in class discussions. You are also expected to read the prescribed material (including some legal cases) and have informed opinions about the literature and discussion topics.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

To understand some of the basic concepts relevant to medical ethics and law.
To understand the relationship between the law, the individual and society.
To think critically about relevant legal and ethical rights and obligations.
To express oneself orally and in writing on complex issues of medical law and ethics.

Indicative Module Content:

Areas covered may include;

1. Introduction to law for non-lawyers
2. Links between medical law and medical ethics
3. Medical negligence
4. Medical confidentiality including how it differs from legal confidentiality
5. Medical records and data confidentiality
6. Capacity, consent to treatment and Mental Health Law
7. Duty of care to the living and the dead (medico legal investigations)
8. End of life issues
9. Beginning of life issues
10. Genetics issues including genetic counselling
11. Fitness to practice - ramifications on career and duty to report wrongdoing

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

25
Conversation Class

25
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Interaction in this module is required and grades will be awarded for it. Students will engage in conversations with lecturers, learn from cases, form and defend their opinions and have an open-book examination in order to accurately develop their arguments. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

Medicine and Graduate Entry Medicine students are not allowed to choose this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
GPRS20140 - Patient-Centred Practice, MDSA10210 - Science Medicine & Society, PHPS20010 - Epi, Biostats & Public Health


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Seminar: A grade will be awarded for your participation during seminars. This means engaging in conversation and demonstrating that you have completed the required reading. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Essay: One essay of 1,500 words due at the end of the module. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

25
Essay: One essay of 1,500 words due midway through the module. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

25
Examination: A seen examination where students will be given information befehand and allowed to take on A4 note sheet into the exam. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will be given feedback in the form of grading rubric provided at the start of the module. all expected criteria for grades will be explained, including target and milestones that students re expected to hit. Students can follow the rubric by way of a roadmap and benchmarking their performance against the feedback provided. Individual feedback will also be provided on request at the end of the module.

Name Role
Dr Christopher Cowley Lecturer / Co-Lecturer