Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Public Health Ethics

Course Description

This is an advanced level graduate seminar course in the ethics of public health. This is distinct from the ethics in  public health and the course attempts to give students some familiarity with some of the most important ethical issues facing those engaged in public health research (health promotion, disease prevention, and epidemiological and biostatistical research). The course is based on seminar discussions of course readings, and case studies. Students will be able to identify, articulate and analyze ethical issues arising from public health, and to formulate critical and well-reasoned ethical arguments.

Course Objectives

Through the seminar discussions of course readings and case studies and through written and oral presentations, students will develop:

1.   Knowledge of major frameworks of ethics and the basic ethical concepts operative in public health ethics;

2.   Familiarity with some of the most important ethical issues facing those engaged in public health research (health promotion, disease prevention, and epidemiological and biostatistical research);

3.   The ability to identify, articulate, and analyze ethical issues arising from public health, and to formulate critical and well-reasoned ethical arguments;

4.   Competence to participate in ethical reflection and decision-making as issues arise in public health research, practice and policy