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Master of Health Science

Bioethics Concentration

This concentration is designed for those allied health professionals seeking to   be prepared for full participation in medical ethical decision making. The study of ethical theory and application is an important feature of professional development for the master prepared allied health professional. Note: All courses are delivered and organized as distance learning.

12 credits total.

course namecredit hours
MHS 5203: Writing for Allied Health Professionals

This course entails the study and practice of writing style used in allied health: scientific writing.  Scientific writing is a different format than other kinds of writing used as an undergraduate.  It is more precise and succinct, which is different from the way we speak to each other.  Scientific writing is written for an audience with the purpose of informing or possibly persuading the audience.  American Psychological Association (APA) style and standard English formatting will be reviewed.  The papers written in this course will give the student a foundation for all MHS courses

3
MHS 5003 Current Trends and Cultural Issue in Health Care
This course serves to familiarize the student with current and cultural issues in health care that may impact the patient, the health care system, as well as the ability to deliver high quality health care. Discussion and analysis of current trends and cultural topics facing those who work in health care will be explored.
3
MHS 5510 Research Methods
This course is designed to enable participants to develop skills in reading and critically evaluating published research by using the scientific model. The advantages and disadvantages of quantitative and qualitative research methods will be compared and contrasted. Research articles will be collaboratively analyzed to develop an appreciation of potential methodological problems and their implications for evidence-based professional practice.
3
MHS 5521 Ethical Issues in Health Care
The student will examine ethical issues that confront health care providers and their patients. The medical-scientific, moral, and socioeconomic bases of these issues and the decision-making processes that providers and patients engage in are analyzed. Topics will include informed and voluntary consent, the role of institutional review boards, euthanasia, and the allocation of scarce resources.
3

20 credits total.

course namecredit hours
MHS 5904 Research Ethics
This course introduces students to ethics concepts as they apply to questions and challenges in conducting research with human subjects. The aim is to increase students' awareness of and ability to reason through ethical issues that arise in human subjects research. The course will draw upon historical examples and codes, declarations, and other sources of ethical guidance including contemporary controversies in research with human subjects
3
MHS 5526 Advanced Topics in Health Care Ethics
A Hospital Ethics Committee (HEC) performs an important consult role in addressing the ethical issues presented in a clinical circumstance. This course describes the makeup and role of the HEC in addressing ethical issues. Students will then participate in mock ethics committees, be presented with ethically challenging hypothetical cases, debate the issues, and provide consults. Following each committee meeting, students will submit papers reflecting upon their role in the HEC as well as provide an analysis of the ethical issues present in the cases.

Prerequisites MHS 5521 & DHS 8040
3
MHS 5527 Neurobiology Issues in Medical Ethics
This course will provide an introduction to the neurosciences and their intersection with law and morality. The course will explore a number of areas, including: the relationship between various brain deficiencies and their implications for individual behavioral responsibility; legal issues surrounding various brain states, including the adolescent brain, the injured brain, and brain death; legal and ethical issues related to memory, the emotions, lie detection, and the neuroscience of legal decision-making. Additionally, the course will glimpse the neuroethics horizon, including a look at areas including cognitive enhancement, the brain-machine interface, and artificial intelligence.

Perquisites MHS 5521 & DHS 8040
3
MHS 5528 Technological Advances in Medicine and the Impact on Ethics
The advancement of science and the invention of new medical technologies present new challenges for traditional bioethics. Scientific advances in cloning, stem cell research, genetic engineering, genetic testing, reproductive technologies, and genomics have profound impacts on the individual and society. In this course, students will explore controversies in bioethics arising from these new technologies as well as have the opportunity to debate these issues applying bioethical theories and principles.

Prerequisites MHS 5521 & DHS 8040
3
DHS 8040 Professional and Health Care Ethics
This course is an in depth study of the concepts of healthcare ethics. The course of study analyzes the differences between ethics and law and examines the core values and beliefs of medical professionalism. Methods of ethical analysis and a review of current case studies will be used in critical discussions of ethical dilemmas faced by health care personnel in areas such as cloning, organization transplantation, and the implications of the Human Genome Project. The student will explore the personal values, professional standards, and institutional guidelines that define the roles and responsibilities of the health care practitioner. The student will be required to choose an ethical or professionalism issue in health care and prepare a written paper on that subject.

Prerequisite MHS 5521
4
DHS 8045 The Influence of Ethics and Culture on Global Health
The course will explore many prominent global health issues and exemplify how greater knowledge and understanding of global ethics is vital to effective and sound decision- making. Topics that will be discussed in the course include ethical issues related to: pandemic preparedness, end of life, human organ transplantation, clinical research in developing countries, human rights, resource allocation, and the effects of globalization on world health. It is anticipated that students will bring to the course their own ethical dilemmas arising from their own experiences, culture, and practice.

Perquisite MHS 5521
4

10 semester hours total.

course namecredit hours
MHS 5903: U.S. Health Policy
This course will explore how US health policy is made and the interests and roles of various stakeholders and state, local and federal governments.  Students will analyze health policies and discern what impact proposed and executed health policies will have on health care entities, groups, individuals and healthcare practice. Students will gain the skills necessary to conduct a policy analysis that examines a health care or public health issue or concern.
5
MHS 5207: Practicum
The practicum is a cumulating experience for M.H.Sc. Students. Under supervision of an M.H.Sc. faculty advisor, students will develop community- based, health promotion and disease prevention interventions with underserved and/ or non-traditional populations.
5

Concentration for Recognition

In order to gain recognition in the "Bioethics concentration of the M.H.Sc. program, the student must complete all six courses for 18 total hours. Those completing the concentration will be recognized as such with appropriate credentials.

If you have any questions regarding the concentration in Bioethics please contact the program or your academic advisor.

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