Learn about bioethics

We draw on philosophy, science, sociology, history, economics, law and other disciplines in the attempt to answer some of society’s most difficult and interesting questions around the ethics of things such as human cloning and enhancement, prolonging life, genetic discrimination, stem cell research, buying and selling human organs, and the publication of dangerous scientific discoveries.

Why study bioethics?

Bioethics is concerned with controversial topics that have profound implications for the future of humanity and society. It’s a field of study that’s relevant and important to everyone, and will promote development of all-purpose skills in reading, writing, oral expression and critical thinking.

Monash Bioethics Centre

The Monash Bioethics Centre is one of the oldest and most prestigious bioethics centres in the world. Our research and teaching helps to shape future healthcare and make our societies more ethical. As a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Bioethics, it directly influences global health policy making.

What will you study?

You’ll look at topics that have an important implication for the future of humanity and society, such as the ethics of:

• Genetic and genomic technologies
• Big Data in healthcare
• Vaccinations and infectious diseases
• Ageing and end of life issues
• Buying and selling human tissue

Examples of units you may choose include:

• Bioethics: Current controversies
• Bioethics, justice and the law
• Life, death and morality (Introduction to philosophy A)
• Global bioethics
• The moral psychology of evil
• Philosophical issues in applied ethics
• Ethics
• Environmental ethics
• People and plagues: Diseases that changed history

Who will be teaching you?

The Bioethics minor is taught by a team of academics committed to providing the best bioethics education in the world. Our academics are world leaders in bioethics research in topics as diverse as the ethics of new reproductive technologies, gender and healthcare, ageing, religious diversity in healthcare, infectious disease and global public health ethics. Completing a bioethics minor will help you understand the far-reaching implications of current biotechnology innovations and set you up to be an ethical leader in your career.

What careers will you be ready for?

Bioethics strengthens your capacity and opportunity in a range of career options, such as:

• Clinical and research ethics
• Public health
• Science policy
• Education
• Healthcare
• Science/health journalism and much more.

Global study

With Monash’s impressive international links, you’ll get the opportunity to venture into contexts where you can apply your expertise.

Exchange programs include:

• National University of Singapore – Singapore
• Free University of Berlin – Germany
• University of Essex – England.

GIG: Global Immersion Guarantee

The Monash Arts Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) is an award-winning initiative that will enable you to explore first-hand the relationships between society, technology and the environment. It’s a two-week, funded study trip for all eligible first-year Monash Arts, single or double degree students to one of six destinations – China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia or the Pacific Islands.