Units / FOR4003
FOR4003 · Ethics, medicine and the law
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 4Forensic Medicine
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
The unit aims to help you become familiar with the tools and vocabulary of ethical discourse in medicine. A framework for this discourse is built, based on the four basic principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. The elements which go to make up the Australian Legal System are covered as well as those particular areas of law relating to forensic medical practice, i.e. consent, confidentiality and disclosure, issues at both the beginning and end of life.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Southbank | Second semester | Some activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
| Southbank | First semester | Some activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
| University of the Philippines | First semester | Some activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Critical reflections (2,400 words / 10 x 240 words) | Written | 30% | Competency |
| 2 | Oral presentation (20 minutes, plus discussion time) | Presentation | 25% | Competency |
| 3 | Essay (3,200 words) | Written | 45% | Competency |
Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Develop a high level awareness and understanding of the ideas and issues in medical ethics so that in practice the interests of their patients/clients are safeguarded.
- Critically evaluate relevant areas of the law so that in practice their contribution to the justice system is optimal.
- Appreciate the importance of both law and ethics in the treatment of patients/clients and the application of these principles to optimal pateint/client outcomes.
- Acquire skills in the constructive approach to complex situations with competing ethical issues.
- Critically evaluate your own practice through the lens of medical ethics and law.
- Discuss and critically interpret issues related to justice in forensic medicine from the perspectives of law, rights and ethics.
Workload
It is expected that you will need to undertake approximately 12 hours of study per week over the semester. This will include contact time, private study, assessment tasks (case studies, assignments) and, where possible, involvement in casework. You are required to attend all workshops offered at the Department of Forensic Medicine during the semester.
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