Acquaints students with an introduction to ethical theory and principles, including ethics requirements when conducting research with human subjects in the U.S. and/or developing countries. Through lectures and small group case discussion, the following topics are covered: ethical theory and principles; informed consent in research; Institutional Review Boards; the just selection of research participants; cultural relativism; genetic research; ethical issues in vaccine research; ethics and human rights; appropriate use of placebos; what is owed to research participants, communities, and countries after research is completed; the use of animals in research; and scientific and academic integrity. Students in this course select to be in the U.S. track or the international track. While most lectures are identical for the two tracks, case discussions and assignments are different. The international track is geared toward international and American students conducting research in developing country settings. This course satisfies the NIH’s and the School’s requirement for training in the responsible conduct of research.
221.616.01 Ethics of Public Health Practice in Developing Countries
Provides a forum for the deliberation and discussion of critical ethical issues in the practice of public health, including the conduct of research/clinical trials in developing countries and encourages a systematic consideration of the ethical responsibilities of all parties.
Provides a small, interactive setting for discussion of research ethics, ethics committees, and ethics concepts among the trainees and between trainees and affiliated faculty. Sessions are divided among the following activities: reviewing and critiquing journal articles related to research ethics; trainees’ individual presentations on practicum research progress; guest speakers related to research ethics cases and/or concepts; and development and presentation of original case studies by each trainee. Topics include standard of care, justice, inducements, research ethics committees, informed consent, and gender roles in research decisions.
Research Methodology Seminar
3rd & 4th Terms
Provides an overview of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and emphasizes their application to trainees’ developing practicum proposals.
Description of additional courses that both selected one-year and one-month trainees take:
Intensive Bioethics Course, Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University
June 2010
The Joseph and Rose Kennedy Institute of Ethics is one of the world's premier institutes for research in bioethics. Situated on the historic campus of Georgetown University, overlooking the Potomac River, the Institute brings together leading scholars and the finest library dedicated to the field.
A pioneer in bioethics education, the Kennedy Institute offers bioethics courses designed to address the most challenging topics in health care ethics. These courses provide the opportunity for participants from different fields and disciplines to come together for a few days to explore the theoretical framework and practical issues of bioethics with a distinguished faculty. In a unique structure, lectures and panel discussions are paired with small group discussions, allowing detailed exploration of issues and personal interaction with faculty and other course participants. The course is truly intensive; with much of the intellectual interchange taking place over shared meals and in extra discussions organized around participants' interests.
Specific aims and objectives for the course are to introduce participants to the philosophical underpinnings of bioethics and current major topics in the field, and to provide them with the skills to define and describe various principles and approaches to bioethics in medical practice, law and public policy. Participants will understand and be able to demonstrate bioethical principles within a solid framework of decisionmaking in clinical, research and policy settings.
While on campus, course participants enjoy full access to the National Reference Center for Bioethics Literature, the world's largest collection of bioethics resources. A committed staff of professional librarians is available to assist course participants with bibliographical searches for their research. They also offer a series of invaluable training sessions for those interested in learning how to access bioethics databases and the burgeoning resources available on the Internet and World Wide Web.
Your attendance begins an ongoing relationship with the Institute and its resources. Course participants receive a one-year membership to the Kennedy Institute Member's program; membership benefits include a subscription to the Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal and an invitation to the annual Members' Symposium.
340.667.11Ethics Issues in Human Subjects Research in Developing Countries
Summer term (2 credits/units) This course will introduce those enrolled to ethical principles and formal codes of ethics, to key ethical issues that arise in international research. Ultimately, the course will be case-based to enable course participants to work through ethical challenges posed by research conducted in developing countries. Each daily session will be divided between a formal lecture and a case discussion. Case studies will be discussed in small groups and will be based on actual research projects in developing countries, including both clinical and epidemiological/observational research. The course is geared towards U.S. and international faculty, researchers, and students who conduct or fund research in developing country settings and to those who sit on IRBs/research ethics boards. Student evaluation is based on case study exercises and class participation.
Other Meetings
3rd and 4th Terms
NIH Bioethics seminars and meetings, Berman Institute of Bioethics seminars and research workshops, JHMI and JHSPH IRB observations and meetings, OHRP meetings, visits with JHU faculty.
