The interdisciplinary minor in bioethics encompasses work in the scientific fields of biology and the natural sciences, and in the humanities fields of philosophy, sociology, theology and psychology. It enables students to study topics in which the life sciences and ethics converge, such as: biological and chemical weapons, human stem cell research, global warming, human and animal experimentation, pollution, genetic screening and gene therapy, dying and death, and human population growth.

The bioethics minor helps to prepare students for a range of future careers, or for advanced study in the health professions, the sciences, teaching, law, journalism, ministry, research, government or social work. For many students, the study of bioethics not only deepens their understanding of science and its ethical challenges, but also strengthens their ability to think broadly and critically, and to better see the vital integration of science and technology with individuals and the world around us.

Related Programs

Curriculum

Requirements

The minor in bioethics requires at least seven courses completed with a grade of "C" or better. The science requirement is satisfied by taking either four courses in Biology or three courses in the Natural Sciences. The Ethics requirement is satisfied by 1) completing the foundational course (PHIL 284 Health Care Ethics); 2) taking two elective courses (one at the 300-level); and 3) one interdisciplinary capstone course (BIET 395A, BIET 395B, BIET 395C, BIET 395E, BIET 396A, BIET 396B, BIET 396C, or BIET 396E). See below for more detailed information about which specific courses satisfy these requirements.

Please note that one of the three ethics courses must be taken at the 300-level. This is in addition to the required capstone course (BIET 395A,B,C, or E or BIET 396A,B,C, or E).​ 

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Prerequisites: Must have completed two of the science requirements and two of the ethics requirements.

Suggested Sequence of Courses

The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework.  An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study.  Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.

Biology Track (For Biology, Biochemistry, & Neuroscience Majors)

Life Sciences Track

Double-Dipping Policy

• Students may not major and minor in the same discipline.
• Majors: Not less than 21 credit hours in the individual student’s transcript must be unique to each major; that is, the courses in question are considered as actually fulfilling requirements of one major, not of more than one major.
• Minors and interdisciplinary minors: not less than 8 credit hours in the individual student’s transcript must be unique to each minor; that is, the courses in question are considered as actually fulfilling requirements of one minor, not of more than one minor or major.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• Understand relevant scientific concepts, techniques, and methods as they relate to bioethical topics.
• Recognize bioethical issues.
• Apply ethical reasoning and ethical judgment (concepts, theories, methods) to discuss bioethical issues.
• Integrate science and ethics such that students can take a bioethical topic or issue and connect the scientific with the ethical issues.