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Identical coursesHealth, Genomics and Society (B-KUL-S0C94A)
Aims
This course provides an introduction into the social dimensions and implications of innovations in biomedicine and the life sciences (genomics) in Europe. The general aim is to acquaint students with core social science perspectives on genomics, as well as with relevant topics and literature on the social, ethical and political challenges of contemporary developments in biomedicine (genomics, digital health, personalised medicine).
Upon completion of this course the students have reached the following objectives:
- Students know core social science perspectives and approaches in order to reflect, discuss and address the societal challenges resulting from developments in the life sciences.
- Students can illuminate the wide range of societal challenges resulting from developments in genomics with empirical cases and examples from the ELSI literature (ethical, legal and social issues).
- Students are equipped with the analytic and conceptual skills necessary for a critical and productive engagement with literature in both the life sciences and the social sciences at the interface of genomics and society.
These objectives are announced at the start of the course.
Previous knowledge
At the beginning of the course, students are supposed to be interested in the social reality, its problems, prevailing values and standards. Students can critically approach conceptual frames, have the appropriate academic skills to write a paper, reason, abstract, discuss and communicate. No prior knowledge of genetics and/or biology is required for this course.
Is included in these courses of study
- Master in de sociologie (Leuven) 60 ects.
- Master in het sociaal werk en sociaal beleid (Leuven e.a.) 60 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Social Sciences (Leuven)
- Master of Sociology (Leuven) (Solidarity and Social Risks in Europe) 60 ects.
Activities
4 ects. Health, Genomics and Society (B-KUL-S0C94a)
Content
The course addresses the role of developments in genomics for current Western health care and society.
The first part of the course consists of different core social science perspectives and approaches to reflect, discuss and address the societal aspects and consequences of genomics. Sociological and anthropological literature on genomics will be used to introduce the students to concepts such as biomedicalization, geneticalization, biopolitics and biosociality.
In the second part of the course, we discuss a wide range of societal challenges that are associated with developments in genomics. For this, we draw on case histories and examples from the ELSI literature (on ethical, legal and social implications of developments in genomics) in Europe. We focus on topics like discrimination, privacy, solidarity and data-sharing.
Course material
The following course material is used:
- Articles and literature: bibliography on Ultra(Toledo)
- Multimedia (e-books, videos)
- Course slides
All course material is made available on Ultra(Toledo)
Format: more information
The course consists of lectures, presentations by guest lecturers and seminars. To realize the course goals, students are expected to be present during the lectures and seminars. They are expected to think along and discuss actively during the seminars. In order to do so, students have to read the literature in advance of the class. Students have to integrate the content of the seminar meetings (i.e. the discussions of the literature, lectures and guest presentations) into a coherent paper that has to be submitted by the end of the course.
This course is organized according to the principles of blended learning, in which contact education (face-to-face) and online learning are combined. More specifically, this course will be shaped by a flexible model, where there will be a flexible mix between face-to-face and online teaching. The exact implementation of blended learning format will be made available on Toledo.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Health, Genomics and Society (B-KUL-S2C94a)
Explanation
Evaluation characteristics
The evaluation consists of two parts: an essay and participation during the meetings. In the essay, the student will integrate the content of the seminars (including the literature, lectures and guest presentations) into a coherent paper. Participation during the lectures and seminars is expected to ensure students’ active engagement with the course materials. The details and deadline of the essay will be determined by the teaching staff and communicated on Toledo. .
Final grade
The course is evaluated by the lecturer, as communicated on Toledo and in the examination regulation. The final score is expressed as a mark out of 20 (rounded to a whole number).
The final result is weighted: the essay is evaluated on 80 % of the total, and the participation during the meetings on 20 % of the total. If the student does not participate in the partial evaluations or if the essay is not handed in one time, the final result for the whole course unit will be marked as NA (not attempted), unless because of severe circumstances after request another arrangement is decided.
Students are fully responsible for submitting papers and assignments free of fraud and plagiarism (www.kuleuven.be/english/education/plagiarism/) and are requested to observe the Faculty’s relevant regulations. Plagiarism will be sanctioned with the sanctions mentioned in the University’s Regulations on Education and Examinations (http://www.kuleuven.be/education/regulations/).
Use of GenAI
In this course and for writing the essay, it is permitted to use GenAI in a responsible manner. The exact conditions (and restrictions) for using this technology will be communicated through Toledo.
Information about retaking exams
TThe evaluation characteristics and the determination of the final result of the second examination opportunity are similar to those of the first examination opportunity, as expressed above. The details and deadline of the essay will be determined by the teaching staff and communicated on Toledo. The result of the participation during the meetings in the first examination opportunity is transferred to the result of the second examination opportunity.