Information Package / Course Catalogue
Bioethics in Genetic Research
Course Code: BİO653
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Third Cycle (Doctorate Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 8
Objectives of the Course

This course aims to gain a deep understanding and analyze the ethical, legal, and social issues encountered in genetic research and applications. Students are expected to grasp ethical principles related to the use of genetic data, genetic counseling, gene therapy, personal data protection, clinical research, and societal impacts. Thus, the course aims to train experts with a multidisciplinary perspective who can make ethical decisions within the boundaries of genetic science.

Course Content

This course examines the ethical, legal, and social issues arising in genetic research and applications. It focuses on fundamental bioethical topics, including the confidentiality of genetic data, informed consent, genetic counseling, gene therapy, genetic discrimination, and population genetics. Additionally, the ethical dimensions of gene editing technologies and national and international ethical standards in genetic research are thoroughly examined. The course provides practical learning through real case analyses and ethical discussions.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains fundamental bioethics concepts and their importance in genetic studies.
2.Identifies and evaluates ethical issues encountered in genetic research.
3.Applies principles of genetic data confidentiality, privacy, and informed consent.
4.Understands ethical principles in gene therapy, genetic counseling, and clinical trials.
5.Discusses genetic discrimination and social justice issues.
6.Discusses genetic discrimination and social justice issues.
7.Recognizes national and international ethical guidelines and legal regulations in genetic research.
8.Evaluates ethical dilemmas through bioethics case analyses and develops possible solutions.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Aşar H. 2019. Biyoetik; Geçmişten Günümüze. Kimlik Yayınları
2.Ülman YI. 2010. Etik, Biyoetik, Hukuk: Temel Kavramlar ve Yaklaşımlar. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi: 1(1), 1-4
3.de Wert G, ter Meulen R, Mordacci R, Tallacchini M. 2003. Ethics and Genetics. A Workbook for Practitioners and Students. berghahnbooks.com.
4.First Vaughn L. 2022. Bioethics: Principles, Issues, and Cases. 4th Edition. Oxford Univesity Press
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to Bioethics, Basic Concepts and History of Bioethics
Week 2 - Theoretical
Ethical Issues in Genetic Research, Privacy and Confidentiality of Genetic Information
Week 3 - Theoretical
Informed Consent: Concepts and Practices, Consent Process in Genetic Research
Week 4 - Theoretical
Genetic Counseling and Ethical Approaches, Confidentiality and Patient Rights in Counseling
Week 5 - Theoretical
Gene Therapy: Techniques and Ethical Issues, Ethical Principles in Clinical Trials
Week 6 - Theoretical
Genetic Discrimination and Social Justice, Use of Genetic Information in Employment and Insurance
Week 7 - Theoretical
Genetic Discrimination and Social Justice, Use of Genetic Information in Employment and Insurance
Week 8 - Theoretical
Gene Editing Technologies (e.g., CRISPR) and Ethical Discussions, Potential Risks and Opportunities (Midterm Exam)
Week 9 - Theoretical
Ethical Standards in Animal and Human Genetic Research, Laboratory Practices and Experimental Animals
Week 10 - Theoretical
National and International Ethical Guidelines for Genetic Research, Legal Regulations and Institutions
Week 11 - Theoretical
Genetic Data Sharing and Open Science, Data Security and Responsibilities
Week 12 - Theoretical
Conflicts of Interest and Management in Genetic Research, Researcher Responsibilities
Week 13 - Theoretical
Conflicts of Interest and Management in Genetic Research, Researcher Responsibilities
Week 14 - Theoretical
Future Ethical Issues and Debates
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%70
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory142370
Assignment220142
Reading120336
Individual Work100330
Midterm Examination18210
Final Examination110212
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)200
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
OÇ-1
4
2
5
2
OÇ-2
2
4
2
5
2
2
4
2
OÇ-3
2
2
2
5
2
4
2
OÇ-4
4
2
4
5
3
2
3
OÇ-5
2
2
2
5
5
4
3
4
OÇ-6
3
2
2
5
4
2
2
2
OÇ-7
2
2
5
5
2
2
4
4
2
OÇ-8
2
2
3
5
3
2
4
5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026