Over thirty delegates gathered in the spectacular setting of the University
of Stirling to attend the event. The day was varied and consisted of presentations,
a swapshop and a powerful drama session. After the welcome and initial
introduction to LTSN Bioscience by Dr Stephen Maw the following took place
Why should we teach ethics to Bioscience students?
Prof John Bryant, University of Exeter
John gave an overview of why we need to teach students about ethics.
Using examples he illustrated how ethical decisions permeate all branches
of society and science. Unfortunately, scientists are often ill-equipped
to participate, knowing or understanding little about the processes of
ethical decision making and this deficiency must be addressed.
View
John's presentation
A framework
for teaching ethics to Bioscience students
Prof Ben Mepham, University of Nottingham
Ben gave a popular talk introducing the ethical matrix. The matrix is
a framework which helps make explicit the relevant concerns for a given
issue. It is a useful tool that Ben has used effectively with students
to help them in the decision-making process.
View
the handout from Ben's presentation (Word
or pdf)
The Aberdeen
experience
Dr Jennifer Mordue, University of Aberdeen
Jenny described an Honours year Bioethics for Biologists course from the
University of Aberdeen. The course has run for one year and Jenny described
the key issues, student perception and key problems and their possible
solutions.
View
Jenny's presentation
Swapshop
The swapshop contained contributions from among others
Dr Andy Bond - Issues
in Biomedical Sciences
Dr Chris Willmott - Bioethics
Websites
Dr Allan Jones - Bioscience Education
Electronic Journal (BBE-J)
Dr Jackie Wilson - E.T.H.I.C.S.
project
Drama as a
teaching tool in bioethics
John Somers, University of Exeter
John gave a powerful presentation of how
drama could be used as a teaching tool for ethics. Using a shoebox containing
a fictitious girl's belongings John demonstrated how 'compound stimuli'
could be used to engage students in ethical debate and decision making.
The example was from 'A present for Anna', part of a TIEs (Theatre in
Education) approach which recognises that drama and theatre are an excellent
way for students to deal with complex issues
View
John's Drama presentation
Small group session
John Somers gave people an opportunity to further explore drama as a teaching
tool for bioethics
Nels Granholm discussed the faculty exchange between his university (South
Dakota State University) and Manchester Metropolitan University.
View the handout from Nels'
presentation rtf:Word
The Special Interest Group: Teaching Ethics to Bioscience Students Co-ordination
Team. (From Left to Right Dr Andy Bond, Prof John Bryant and Dr Chris
Willmott)
Also of possible interest;
Ethics audit tool, incorporating sustainability (pdf)
Ethics related articles and resources list
