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Overview
What you will study
The Ethics of Biotechnology course provided by KTH Royal Institute of Technology will focus on two parts:
- The first part of the course - (lectures 1-3 and seminar 1) - provide an introduction to moral philosophy. Normative theories like utilitarianism, duty ethics and virtue ethics are explained and problematized. We will also discuss other useful distinctions and notions in moral philosophy e.g. moral dilemmas, action guiding and moral relativism.
- The second part of the course (lectures 4-10 and seminars 2-4) focus on specific ethical problems and challenges in the field of biotechnology. These sessions are a mix between traditional lecturing and classroom discussions and the students are expected to partake actively. Topics include: ownership of biological material, ethics of different usage of gene technology, human enhancement, technology in healthcare (e.g. carebots) etc. We will also discuss concepts such as rights, justice, naturalness, privacy, autonomy, and risk.
- An important part of this course is the course essay which is written individually by the student but supervised by the teacher. This gives the student an opportunity to apply ethical theory and analyze ethical issues attaching to a specific technology which is relevant for their education and of special interest to them. The essay is written throughout the course and each student will get feedback both from the teacher and another student during the work so that they can improve their essay before handing it in.
- outline the basic theories and concepts of moral philosophy, and apply those theories and concepts on problems in the field of biotechnology,
- identify and discuss in a critical manner, orally as well as in written form, ethical problems in the field of biotechnology,
- assess the quality of arguments put forth in the field of biotechnology and argue, in an independent and structured way, for or against possible positions held on central issues,
- analyse, independently and in written form, a philosophical problem or area of inquiry related to biotechnology.
Programme Structure
The program focuses on two parts:
The first part gives a background in moral philosophy, introducing normative theories like utilitarianism, duty ethics and virtue ethics, etc.
The second part departs from practical ethical questions in the field of biotechnology.
Questions to be discussed include:- Is there an ethical difference between therapeutic and reproductive cloning?
- Should research on stem cells be legal?
- Are we the owners of our bodies and if so, should we be allowed to sell our bodily organs?
- How does gene technology affect the possibilities of giving everyone fair chances in life?
- How should we cope with risks associated with gene technology?
The practical problems dealt with in the course will have influence on discussions of concepts such as rights, justice, ownership, naturalness, integrity, autonomy, and risk.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 5 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApplication deadline not specified.
Language
English
TOEFL® IBT 90
Credits
7 ECTS
Delivered
On Campus
Disciplines
Biotechnology Ethics View 7 other Short Courses in Ethics in SwedenWhat students do after studying
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Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL® IBT 90
Student insurance
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:
- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
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Other requirements
General requirements
- 120 credits academic studies in technology or natural science
- documented proficiency in English (English 6)
Tuition Fee
Living costs for Stockholm
9668 - 17248 SEK /month
Living costs
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
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