Law and Human Genetics

Subject 730-898 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points:
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

November, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 - 26 contact hours per subject.
Total Time Commitment: The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidates background and experience.
Prerequisites: N.A.
Corequisites: N.A.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N.A.

Coordinator

Prof Loane Skene
Subject Overview:

Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Understand the legal and ethical requirements for consent to genetic testing
  • Know the nature and amount of information needed before a person is tested
  • Be aware of the different issues when testing is routine or for population screening rather than when requested for a patient or relative
  • Know the law protecting the confidentiality of genetic information
  • Have considered the potential legal liability of health professionals in this field
  • Be familiar with the debates concerning the ownership of organs and tissue
  • Have examined the options for regulating the development and application of genetic testing and treatment
  • Be able to argue that a particular regulatory system should be adopted

Syllabus:

Principal topics include:

  • General principles concerning a health professional’s legal duty to inform patients, to obtain consent for proposed procedures and to maintain confidentiality
  • A person’s ‘right’ to privacy and limitations on it
  • Legal issues concerning the taking and use of tissue for genetic testing and research
  • Legal controls on the use of genetic information, principles of unlawful discrimination
  • Recent proposals concerning cloning and embryonic stem cell research and government responses.
Assessment:
  • Research paper 10,000 words (100%) (4 February 2010) (topic approved by the subject coordinator)
Prescribed Texts: Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.
Links to further information: 730-898Law and Human GeneticsMelbourne Law Masters, postgraduate law, post-graduate law, graduate law2009P

Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Understand the legal and ethical requirements for consent to genetic testing
  • Know the nature and amount of information needed before a person is tested
  • Be aware of the different issues when testing is routine or for population screening rather than when requested for a patient or relative
  • Know the law protecting the confidentiality of genetic information
  • Have considered the potential legal liability of health professionals in this field
  • Be familiar with the debates concerning the ownership of organs and tissue
  • Have examined the options for regulating the development and application of genetic testing and treatment
  • Be able to argue that a particular regulatory system should be adopted

Syllabus:

Principal topics include:

  • General principles concerning a health professional’s legal duty to inform patients, to obtain consent for proposed procedures and to maintain confidentiality
  • A person’s ‘right’ to privacy and limitations on it
  • Legal issues concerning the taking and use of tissue for genetic testing and research
  • Legal controls on the use of genetic information, principles of unlawful discrimination
  • Recent proposals concerning cloning and embryonic stem cell research and government responses.
  • Research paper 10,000 words (100%) (4 February 2010) (topic approved by the subject coordinator)
N.A. N.A.24 - 26 contact hours per subject.Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidates background and experience.N.A.Please see the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website for up to date timetable information.Prof Loane SkeneLawLawNNNNParkvillePARKVILLEFor the latest information on this subject, please visit: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/subject/730898730-8982November

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