Module 1 – Introduction to Medical Ethics (Module Descriptor)

Course Code COMMUNICATION SKILLS, PROFESSIONALISM & MEDICAL

PSY ETHICS - INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL ETHICS
5215
Programme Part II Medical Ethics
Title: Part II Medical Ethics Course (PSY 5215) – Introduction to Medical
Ethics
Description: This module focuses on introducing the student to medical ethics and the
scope of the subject. Further the learner completes a self-assessment
baseline assessment to estimate their level of knowledge of medical
ethics.
MB ChB Year 3 (Fifth Year)
Stage:
Reference: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) Course
Pre-requisites None
Module Prof. Sekelani Banda
leader
Tutor: TBA
Teaching 4 hours/week x 2 weeks = 8 hours
Hours:
Module aims: This introduces the student to medical ethics.
Learning At the end of this module the learner should be able to:
Outcomes:
1. Define medical ethics;
2. Outline the various elements (categories) of ethical consideration
in medical ethics;
3. Explain the relationship of ethics to law; and
4. Assess their level of knowledge of medical ethics based on their
individual performance on the Module Baseline test.

Teaching The module is taught using the UNZA Learning Management System
Methods: Moodle Platform and face-to-face classes. Each module has a module
descriptor, a PowerPoint presentation, lecture notes, assignments, and
required reading materials. The UNZA programmes apply innovative
teaching approaches that aim to promote student-centred, self-directed,
continuous and clinically-relevant learning. The programmes also aim to
promote use of ICT resources in all the teaching and learning approaches.

UNZA MEDICAL ETHICS COURSE – PART II PSC 525 1

 Small group teaching, seminars, online tutorials, online discussion, and
other web/ICT learning may be used.
Assessment The student on the Medical Ethics Course is assessed in the light of three
Rationale: criteria: knowledge, skills, attitudes in the relevant context. Reliable,
valid and appropriate assessment methods will be used and must reflect
the learning objectives/outcomes of the module.

All modules have a learner’s pack which is available on the University

Learning Management System (LMS).
Assessment Continuous Assessment = 40%
Weighting: Final Examination = 60%

Content Module Outline

Summary: 1. Definitions and Background
2. MCQ Baseline Test
3. Module Bibliography
4. Applications and Conclusion

REQUIRED RESOURCES

PART II MEDICAL ETHICS (PSY 5215) – REQUIRED READING

1. Overall Course Beauchamp, T and Childress (8th Ed) (2019). Principles of

Biomedical Ethics. New York Oxford University Press, Print
ISBN: 9780190640873, eText: 9780190077884.
Supplemental Banda, S.S (1998). A Handbook of Medical Ethics for All Health
Reading Professionals. Starlex in association with Zambia Medical
Association (Revised Electronic Edition, 2020).
2. Module 1 WMA (2015). Medical Ethics Manual. World Medical
Association.
3. Module 2 Woods, M (Retrieved 2020). Handout: Some Important
Approaches to Western ethics. Class Handout on Moral Theories.
4. Module 3 Summers, J (Retrieved 2020). Principles of Healthcare Ethics –
Chapter 2.
5. Module 4 MacDougall, H and Langley, G.R (Retrieved 2020). Medical
Ethics: Past, Present, and Future. Royal College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Canada.
6. Module 5 AMA (2004). AMA Code of Ethics. Australian Medical
Association.
7. Module 6 E.S.R.C (2010). Framework for Research Ethics (FRE).
Economic and Social Research Council.
8. Module 7 Regional Ethics Program at Trillium Health Partners (2008).
IDEA Ethical Decision-Making Framework Guide and
Worksheets. Saskatoon Health Region & Saskachewan Cancer
Agency.

UNZA MEDICAL ETHICS COURSE – PART II PSC 525 2