Theology & Religious Studies BD/MA
Christianity and Bioethics TRS4076
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Critical Studies
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course will examine a range of contemporary issues in bioethics and explore the variety of Christian approaches to bioethical questions. Students will learn to apply methods of ethical analysis to the bioethical issues and to comment critically on Christian writings in bioethics.
Timetable
1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.
This is one of the Honours options in TRS and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.
Excluded Courses
TRS4016 / TRS4017 Christianity And Bioethics
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Presentation of 15 minutes accompanied by a poster or powerpoint slides - 35%
■ Essay (2,500 words) - 65%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ Recording of presentation as an alternative to the presentation
■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
This course will provide the opportunity to:
■ apply ethical principles and methodology to a range of contemporary bioethical issues;
■ discuss Christian teachings on and theological approaches to the bioethical issues considered;
■ develop appropriate critical awareness of and sensitivity towards the variety of approaches to bioethical questions;
■ develop informed opinion on the bioethical issues considered.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ discuss important content areas in the study of bioethics;
■ apply key ethical principles and concepts to the bioethical issues considered;
■ identify and evaluate Christian teachings and theological approaches that relate to the bioethical issues under consideration;
■ research independently and write critically on the bioethical issues considered;
■ present complex arguments in written and oral form.