View Specification DocumentLaw and Genetics LAW4198
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Law
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The response of the law to developments in human genetics is an interesting area of Healthcare law. This course considers key issues and controversies raised by the use of genetic information and technologies, and the response of the law to them.
Timetable
Weekly seminars, on campus. 10 x 2 hour seminars in total.
Requirements of Entry
This course is only available to LLB students.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
- 2000 word essay (40%)
- 1.5 hour exam (60%) - students will be required to answer 2 questions out of a choice of 4.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
The principal aim of this course is to explore some of the legal, ethical and policy issues raised by developments in human genetics. Further aims are to develop students' analytical and critical skills by detailed examination of the law as it relates to key areas of controversy that arise in relation to the use of genetic information and technologies; to develop students' ability constructively to criticise current law and practice and to suggest and evaluate possible reforms; and to foster critical understanding and evaluation of certain areas of controversy in relation to genetics and the law.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- identify and demonstrate understanding of the current law in the UK and other jurisdictions, where relevant,
as it relates to the subject matter of this course
- evaluate and constructively criticise the current law in this area
- propose, evaluate and constructively criticise possible reforms of the law
-understand and critically evaluate areas of controversy within the subject matter