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Course Outline

MED201 Law and Ethics in Medicine

Course Coordinator:Rebecca Donkin (rdonkin@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine

2027Trimester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course you will develop creative and critical thinking, and ethical decision making skills through the lens of medical law and ethics. The course describes the sources of Australian law (common and civil), outlines the Australian court system and tribunals, and discusses the interpretation of law (cases and statute), in particular focussing on the application of legal principles to medical practice and health care. The interface between ethics and law is explored, with a focus on appropriate practice by medical professionals to maintain the health and well-being of their clients.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online Learning Modules 1hr Week 1 8 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Tutorials 2hrs Week 1 8 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Case Discussion Workshops 2hrs Week 2 4 times

Course Topics

  • An introduction to health law in Australia.
  • An introduction to ethics – ethical frameworks and applied ethics.
  • An overview of philosophical bioethics and Austalian health law.
  • Understanding patient-doctor relations from a socio-legal perspective.
  • The relationship between social determinants of health and law.
  • An introduction to human rights law in Australia.
  • The regulatory framework for Australian health – national policy and health powers.
  • Key components of the current health system in Australia.
  • The regulation of health professionals in Australia.
  • How patient safety is regulated and patient redress.
  • Understanding consent to medical treatment.
  • What happens when ethics and the law diverge? Big questions and difficult answers.

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Apply knowledge and understanding of ethical theories, perspectives and principles associated with Australian medical practice. Knowledgeable
Ethical
2 Analyse and reflect on the essential components of the regulatory framework for the Australian healthcare system. Knowledgeable
3 Apply critical, ethical and decision-making frameworks to case studies involving medical professionals, patient safety and redress. Empowered
4 Analyse and discuss a medical case study from the perspective of Australian health law and ethics. Creative and critical thinker
5 Increase proficiency in oral and written communication skills as an individual and in a group context (collaboration). Engaged

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

PUB112 and completion of 96 units and enrolled in Program SC385

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Students should have prerequisite knowledge and skills in public health, both from an Australian and global context.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Students will be provided with early feedback on their progress in the MLS201 course through a formative review quiz early in the trimester that will assess understanding of the basics of the legal system in Australia.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 20% 
10 min/quiz
 Refer to Format In Class
All 2 Artefact - Creative, and Oral Group 50% 
10 min narrated PowerPoint presentation and abstract (300 words)
 Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Report Individual 30% 
2000 words
 Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Quizzes
Goal: 
In this assessment task, you will be able to demonstrate, apply and evaluate your knowledge associated with an understanding of the regulatory frameworks and apply critical and decision-making skills to health law and ethics case studies as applied to Australian medical practice.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
The quizzes will include:
Task 1a.Quiz 1: 5% - Individual 
Task 1b.Quiz 2: 5% - Individual 
Task 1c.Quiz 3: 5% - Individual 
Task 1d. Quiz 4: 5% - Individual 

Please refer to the Assessment Module in the MED201 Canvas Dashboard for specific details about course content to be covered in each of the four quizzes and in-class due dates.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Apply knowledge of the components of regulatory and ethical frameworks in Australian health
 1
2 
Apply critical, ethical and decision-making frameworks to Australian health law case studies
 3
Generic Skills: 
Problem solving, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Group Narrated Powerpoint Presentation and Abstract
Goal: 
In this group assessment task, you will demonstrate your developing understanding of key concepts in Australian health law and ethics through a narrated 10 min, PowerPoint presentation, together with a written abstract. You will be provided with the PowerPoint template and abstract format. The PowerPoint presentation needs to consider and draw on sources of relevant legislation, professional codes, practice standards and ethical theory. You need to discuss the application of principles to clinical practice and make conclusions based on your analysis of the case.
Product: Artefact - Creative, and Oral
Format: 
In pairs, you will address the key legal and ethical issues associated with a medical case study by preparing a narrated PowerPoint presentation and written abstract (300 words).

Please refer to the Assessment Module in the MED201 Canvas Dashboard for specific details and guidelines about the assessment.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identify, reflect on and discuss key legal and ethical issues associated with the provided medical case study
 1 2 4
2 
Apply knowledge and understanding of critical regulatory and ethical frameworks in Australian health to justify decisions/judgements about the provided medical case study
 1 3
3 
Express clearly reasoned viewpoints that are supported with credible literature using both oral and written communication strategies
 5
4 
Demonstrate accurate referencing and citation practice
 4
5 
Collaborate effectively with another student
 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Case Study Report
Goal: 
In this assessment task, you will be able to demonstrate, apply and evaluate your theoretical knowledge associated with an understanding of the frameworks and context of health law as applied to Australian medical practice.
Product: Report
Format: 
As an individual, you will prepare a case study report that will provide an in-depth analysis of the key legal and ethical issues associated with a set of case studies. Your responses will draw on theory, legislation, professional codes and practice standards. You will also provide a reflection based on your experience.

Please refer to the Assessment Module in the MED201 Canvas Dashboard for specific details and guidelines about the case study report.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identify, reflect on and discuss key legal and ethical issues associated with the provided medical case study
 2 4
2 
Apply knowledge and understanding of critical regulatory and ethical frameworks in Australian health to justify decisions/judgements about the provided medical case study
 1 4
3 
Express clearly reasoned viewpoints that are supported with credible literature using a written report strategy
 1 5
4 
Demonstrate accurate referencing and citation practice
 4
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required A.M. Farrell, J. Devereuz, I. Karpin & P. Weller 2017 Health Law. Frameworks and Context n/a Cambridge University Press

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct.

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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