Bioethics (BETH)

Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.

500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.

Course Fees

Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.


BETH 601. Independent Study in Bioethics1-3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

Description: Independent study in Bioethics.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

BETH 605. Selected Topics in Bioethics1-3 Units

Prerequisite(s): To be determined by instructor, in the light of the topic chosen for that semester.

Description: Selected topics in Bioethics (variable content). May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

BETH 621. Ethical Theory3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Bioethics MA program, or consent of instructor.

Description: Recent developments in ethical theory, such as examination of the status of moral facts, moral realism, impartiality and personal attachments, or moral agency.

Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 521, PHIL 621.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

BETH 636. Philosophy of Science3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or consent of instructor.

Description: This course provides an introduction to the main philosophical questions concerning scientific knowledge and methodology.

Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 536.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

BETH 680. Foundations of Bioethics3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Admission into Bioethics MA program, or consent of instructor.

Description: Grounding in the major theories and methods of bioethical decision-making, including contemporary controversies about the role of theory, principles, cases, narrative, and virtues.

Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 680, PHIL 580.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

BETH 681. Current Controversies in Health Care Ethics3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Admission into Bioethics MA program, or consent of instructor.

Description: Topics in health care ethics currently attracting the most attention in both professional and public discussions. A variety of viewpoints on the topics will be considered.

Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 681, PHIL 581.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

BETH 682. Health and Social Justice3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Admission into Bioethics MA program, or consent of instructor.

Description: An interdisciplinary approach to a wide array of issues pertaining to health and health care that arise at the intersection of gender, race, sex, disability, class, and culture.

Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 682, WGST 682, PHIL 582, WGST 582.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

BETH 683. Race, Medicine, and Health3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring Even Years

Prerequisite(s): Only for BETH 683: Admission to a Philosophy Department graduate program (MA or certificate), or consent of instructor.

Description: An in-depth study of racial disparities in health outcomes and in interactions with the health care system, and an examination of initiatives within the system to advance racial equity

Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 683.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

BETH 684. Clinical Ethics3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Bioethics MA program or consent of instructor.

Description: Application of ethical principles, virtues, and cases in the context of clinical care, with a practical approach toward ethics consultation and conflict resolution.

Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 684.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

BETH 685. Health Care Ethics Internship 3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Admission to Bioethics MA program or consent of instructor.

Description: Capstone for Bioethics MA program. Students will complete a community internship and present their results to their peers and program faculty.

Note: Cross-listed with PHIL 685.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes