International Bioethics Education Program
Instructor: Eric Juengst, Ph.D.
This 3-credit course provides an intensive, comparative introduction to the ways in which the U.K. and the U.S. have dealt with the ethical and social issues raised by emerging medical technologies. In the U.K., the regulation of research in human reproductive biology, stem cell transplantation, and genomics has followed a very different path than it has in the U.S. Through the work of centres such as that of our host, The Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences Centre at the University of Newcastle, the UK has developed a stronger tradition than the U.S. of engaging the public directly about science policy issues. It also has a stronger history of formal regulation of life science research. In this course, we will hear from scientists and scholars involved in these processes and be able to compare our national experiences of “doing bioethics in public.”
Course Plan:
Topics to be covered include:
- The history of oversight for new reproductive technologies in the UK;
- The state of the art and regulatory context for nuclear transfer research (cloning) and stem cell transplantation in the UK;
- The establishment and reception of the UK Biobank as a national resource for genomic research;
- The regulation and distribution of fetal and cadaveric tissue for research;
- Public engagement strategies and pitfalls;
- The role of local community and minority perspectives in science policy.
The course is open to undergraduates as well as graduate and professional students in the humanities, social sciences, life sciences, medicine, nursing, and law. The course will consist of 40 contact hours over 10 days in the U.K., and will involve both classroom work and site visits. Participation in class discussions is mandatory and will constitute 10% of the grade.
Students will be given a list of required readings available online. Two weeks before the course, an annotated bibliography of the readings must be submitted, and will count for 20% of the grade. A 10-page paper will be assigned during the course, and will be due by September 15, 2010. It will count for 70% of the grade.
All students must register for Summer 2010 credit. Case tuition is half-price in the summer.
Our hosts: The Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences Centre (PEALS).
PEALS first emerged out of a Newcastle University collaboration that focused upon developments in genetics. The need for a centre to address the broader socio-ethical aspects of a range of life sciences was stimulated by international controversies in life science developments and applications, any of which arose out of the work of colleagues within Newcastle University and the region. The physical location for this work is the Centre for Life (CfL). With its Millennium Landmark building in the centre of Newcastle, CfL is one of Europe’s most successful centres for dialogue between science and society. The CfL is a unique integration of science, business, education, and economic development. This complex community, or “science village,” accommodates 240 scientists working at the leading edge of genetic and stem cell research, and is home to the Institute of Human Genetics and the regional Fertility Centre. Over the past decade, Newcastle University has been at the forefront of stem cell science, genetics, fertility, and embryo research. It was granted the first UK license to research “therapeutic cloning” and achieved the first cloned human embryo by cell nuclear transfer in 2005.
During this time, PEALS has been integral to debates and issues by mediating public discussion, advising scientists and clinicians, and informing and reporting to regulatory authorities and Government enquiries. PEALS now leads an extensive and vibrant regional, national, and international network that addresses the challenges and opportunities that life sciences present for society.The PEALS agenda is to research, inform, and improve socio-ethical aspects of professional practice, policy making, and public engagement in the life sciences. The “PEALS model” involves the close integration of international research, with excellent continuing professional development and a lively programme of public engagement.
Speakers and Facilitators will include:
Alison Murdoch, MD, Professor and Consultant Gynaecologist and Head of the Newcastle Fertility Centre.
Sebastian Sethe,PhD, Legal and Regulatory Officer North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI)
Lyle Armstrong, PhD: Senior Lecturer Institute of Human Genetics (IHG) and NESCI
Susan Lindsay,PhD: Professor Developmental Biology (IHG)
Robert Song,PhD: Senior Lecturer in Christian Ethics at the University of Durham.
Erica Haimes, PhD: Professorial Fellow and founding Director of PEALS
Janice McLaughlin, PhD: Executive Director of PEALS
Jackie Leach Scully, PhD: Director of Research PEALS
Tom Wakeford, PhD: Director of Co-Inquiry and Public Engagement
Simon Woods, PhD: Senior lecturer, Deputy Executive Director PEALS
Lisa Matthews: Professional writer, poet and novelist, PEALS Associate.
Program Cost:
Please see brochure for all details.
If money is an issue, please contact The Department of Bioethics (Michelle Champoir) mln10@case.edu, 216-368-5377.
How can I get help paying for it?
UNIVERSITY FINANCIAL AID OFFICE
If you are a Case Western Reserve University student and receive student loans, you may be able to add the cost of the program fee to your existing loan. You should contact the Financial Aid Office (Nancy Issa: nancy.issa@case.edu) about adjusting your loans. The Department of Bioethics will inform the Financial Aid Office of all students who register for the course and provide a cost breakdown. The maximum amount of a loan for this course will cover all your travel, the program fee, and an additional $500 for meals and spending.
For further information about financial aid through Case Western Reserve you can explore the link below:
http://www.case.edu/provost/ugstudies/scholarships.htm
Students have received Experiential Learning Fellowships for study abroad courses.
BIOETHICS:
The Department of Bioethics at Case Western Reserve University offers small scholarships to assist students with their travel through the James Lovette Scholarship Fund. The application deadline is in early December.
OUTSIDE FUNDING:
Michigan State University
http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/3inttrav.htm#websites
http://studyabroad.msu.edu/scholarships/schol_links.html
There is a wealth of information and links on Michigan State’s web site.
Center for Global Education
http://globaled.gmu.edu/mainmoney.htm#OtherScholarships
University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center Scholarships
http://www.istc.umn.edu/financial/scholarships/index.html
International Education Finance Corporation
https://www.iefc.com/
FASTAid.com
http://www.fastaid.com/
Institute of International Education
http://www.iie.org/
FinAid!
http://www.finaid.org/
StudyAbroad.com Sources and Tips on obtaining Financial Aid
http://www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html
http://www.iefa.org/
More Course Offerings
- Winter Break 2012
- March 2012 courses
- French Perspectives on Controversies at the Beginning and End of Life-Paris, France
- Public Health Ethics: Focus on the Netherlands
- Ethical Issues in Public Health and Genetics (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
- International Women's Health Issues: Focus on Netherlands
- European Perspectives on Bioethics--Salamanca, Spain
- Bioethics Themes as Expressed in Spanish and American Culture: Film, Television, and Literaure--San Sebastian, Spain
- Summer 2012