Philosophy (Thesis): Bioethics (M.A.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Philosophy (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Philosophy; Bioethics is an interdisciplinary academic program that emphasizes both the conceptual and the practical aspects of bioethics. The standard completion time is 2 years. A thesis is required.
Thesis Courses (24 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOE 690 | M.Sc. Thesis Literature Survey. | 3 |
M.Sc. Thesis Literature Survey. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A comprehensive literature survey in the general area of the thesis topic, to be completed in the first semester. | ||
| BIOE 691 | M.Sc. Thesis Research Proposal. | 3 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research Proposal. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent work under the supervision of the thesis advisor(s) leading to a thesis proposal. | ||
| BIOE 692 | M.Sc. Thesis Research Progress Report. | 6 |
M.Sc. Thesis Research Progress Report. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A status report on the progress in the thesis research. | ||
| BIOE 693 | M.Sc. Thesis. | 12 |
M.Sc. Thesis. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Independent work under the supervision of the thesis advisor(s) leading to a thesis manuscript. | ||
Required Courses (9 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOE 680 | Bioethical Theory. | 3 |
Bioethical Theory. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Overview of moral theoretical approaches to bioethics, as well as explorations of critical responses, meta-ethical foundations, methodological questions, and ethical issues arising in bioethics scholarship. | ||
| BIOE 681 | Bioethics Practicum. | 3 |
Bioethics Practicum. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Four hours per week supervised placement within health care settings (e.g., intensive care, family practice, clinical ethics committees). In addition, students shall be assigned for the last month of the term to a single intensive placement. Participation in rounds, case discussions, and a weekly seminar. | ||
| PHIL 643 | Seminar: Medical Ethics. | 3 |
Seminar: Medical Ethics. Terms offered: Winter 2026 An advanced course devoted to a particular philosophical problem as it arises in the context of medical practice or the application of medical technology. | ||
Complementary Courses (12 credits)
12 credits are to be taken in any graduate courses required or accepted by the Department of Philosophy for the granting of a master's degree.