The environment affects human health and well-being, and current health-care technology can impact the environment. Thus, questions about how humans ought to relate both to their own environment and to other living beings on this planet fall squarely within the field of bioethics. While some observers may see bioethics as concerning only the health of human beings defined narrowly, bioethics in fact has many implications for the larger biosphere and vice versa.
This course discusses important issues at the nexus of bioethics and the environment, including climate change, ozone shield depletion, soil erosion, ocean pollution, diminishing biodiversity-all among the environmental factors with adverse consequences for the health of both human and non-human beings. Even the technologies employed in health-
care
have environmental impact harmful
to
health.
Among the challenges to be addressed: How can healthcare be made “green”? What do present generations “owe” to future generations? What is environmental justice in the relations between developed and developing societies? How should humans relate to the other inhabitants of this planet?
Artificial intelligence has become widely available. In some cases, regulations apply already. In other cases, those working in law, public policy, and ethics continue to debate whether and how to regulate use, and which products should require pre-market vetting by regulators. Many principles and guidelines govern the AI space, providing a strong “soft law” framework for state and institutional governance. Some focus on consumer privacy, fairness, protecting workers, and human rights. Students will develop a core competency in AI and ethics with an emphasis on problem-solving, critical thinking, and analysis of AI tools and products related to health, health care, and the social determinants of health.
Computer scientists, coders, and engineers best understand the development and use of machine learning, but often lack training in ethics, law, and public policy. Ethicists with an understanding of AI and machine learning can help steer AI use in safe and productive ways.
The course is primarily designed for bioethics master’s students; no formal background in artificial intelligence or machine learning is assumed. Some knowledge of ethics, ethical principles, and foundational philosophy will be presumed, yet students can request additional resources if they have not had the requisite coursework.
TAKEN WITH BIET 5992 Master Thesis (2-credit).
The Workshop meets six times over four months. These sessions will assist students in starting to focus more fully on a topic and approach. During the Thesis Workshop, students will first speak informally for five minutes about a possible topic, followed by a more formal five-minute presentation and a draft of a one-page outline or abstract, proceeding to a more finalized outline or abstract. At each of these stages, students will receive feedback from the course director as well as fellow students.
Thesis requirement for Bioethics program. Taken with the Thesis Workshop (BIET K5991).
This asynchronous, 3-credit elective provides an immersive, supervised professional internship experience paired with structured reflection and applied academic work. Students integrate theory with practice while assessing organizational culture, ethical decision-making, feedback practices, and professional competencies. Through guided analysis and reflective assignments, students deepen self-awareness, strengthen career readiness, and clarify how their internship experience shapes future professional goals.