| Masters
in Bioethics, (MBE) |
|---|
|
The Centre of Biomedical Ethics and Culture (CBEC)
karachi, offers a Masters in Bioethics (MBE), a two year program consisting
of four onsite teaching modules with distance learning assignments in
the intervening months. The last six months of the program are utilized
for conducting research and writing a thesis.
Candidates for MBE must possess qualifications and experience in a primary discipline such as healthcare services, social sciences and philosophy, etc., with the interest, capacity, and willingness to introduce and enhance ethics related education and research in their institutions. The primary objective of MBE is to provide professionals with necessary knowledge and skills to shape them into academic leaders in bioethics. The MBE is specifically structured to minimize disruption of the work schedule of full time professionals. Students are required to attend four intensive teaching modules, spread over 18 months, at CBEC. Instruction in the intervening months is provided through distance learning assignments via the internet. The first, a comprehensive Foundation Module lasts for 14 days or so and the subsequent three teaching modules are each of one week to 10 days duration, and scheduled approximately four months apart. Teaching Modules: The Foundation Module covers the historical background of moral thought extending from the Greeks to modern times. Students are introduced to basics of philosophy, religious traditions, interactions between ethics and law, evolution of contemporary bioethics, and the connection of ethics with art and literature. Subsequent modules cover areas such as Clinical Ethics, Research Ethics including Ethics of Public Health, Gender issues and Environmental Ethics. Distance Learning Components: These will be distributed through the intervening months between the four teaching modules, and consist of work submitted by students via internet. Assignments include review of selected books/chapters, critique of selected articles, and independent readings with submission of summaries. Students may also be asked to submit brief essays on selected pieces of art and literature, and will participate in ethics related “postings” and discussions on the internet moderated by CBEC faculty. Thesis: Submission of a thesis is a mandatory requirement for graduation. The thesis may be based on original research (qualitative or quantitative), or comprehensive review and analysis of a suitable topic, in consultation with the advisor. Student Evaluation: Students will be assessed on class attendance and participation, individual and/or team class presentations, quality of written work (in teaching modules and distance learning assignments), and originality and quality of the thesis. In order to obtain the MBE students must complete all components of the course work and assignments to the satisfaction of faculty, and write and submit the thesis in time. |