PHIL 2060
Biomedical Ethics
A critical examination, in the light of contemporary moral disagreements and traditional ethical theories, of some of the moral issues arising out of medical practice and experimentation in our society. Issues that might be discussed include euthanasia, genetic engineering, organ transplants, medical malpractice, the allocation of medical resources, and the rights of the patient.
Instructors
Amanda Evans, Anne Baril, Baril, Ciurria, Gardner, James Gulledge, Jason Gardner, Michelle Ciurria, William Bell
Reviews
2 or less hrs/week
interesting topics. not too harsh of an essay grader, so it's pretty easy to make an A on your papers. participation matters a lot
7/7/2024
Gardner is emotionless--quite weird. Did not make any connections with students. Honestly try and participate in the beginning so he remembers you. Was not helpful during office hours--meet with the TA, so much nicer and graded everything. Did not make much of an effort to create an inclusive environment to encourage people to participate.
5/31/2024
2 or less hrs/week
Readings were a bit long sometimes but you can get by without reading much ahead of time. Final projects can be done the night before they're due, super super manageable. Discussions are interesting and have some good topics. Low-key my favorite class of the FL23 semester. And Ciurria is kinda the goat.
5/23/2024
2-4 hrs/week
Class discussions and readings were super interesting. The weekly writing assignments took maybe an hour to finish. Final paper presentation was a great source for feedback before you submit your paper. The professor was so nice. 10/10 recommend Baril, it’s an easy a as long as you show up to class (attendance points) and do the writing assignments. You can still pass the class even if you don’t do the final paper but get 100 on everything else
5/22/2024
Really interesting class, and as long as you participate, you will do well. Highly recommend this professor and this class.
1/17/2024
The class honestly had super interesting material that covered various topics such as medical racism, animal ethics, abortion and eugenics, intersex care, addiction, nuclear experiments, and more. The class was entirely discussion-based, meaning that you just had to show up to class and participate once or twice. Final projects are super easy.
1/10/2024
Interesting list of topics to discuss but the course is defined by discussion. Some of the readings are long but you can get by without all of them. Class discussion dependent on how much others participate too. Can get boring at times but she's nice and open to discussion which was good. Best part was that class ended 10 mins early every time.
1/10/2024
Jason Gardner, this professor is one that is very 'big' on mental health. He doesnt gaf.
1/4/2024
The professor includes interesting topics which display a variety of issues in the biomedical field. The course isn't formatted great and doesn't show both sides of some of the issues. Professor is nice but sometimes says controversial things. Class is very dependent on peers and if they are talkative/what they say so participation is important
12/22/2023
I like Ciurria a lot but I didn't find this class as interesting as I was hoping it was. You kind of just sit there and talk sporadically and then get talked to a lot, and along the way you might learn a few interesting things.
12/22/2023
wouldn't take him again. dont waste your time. class is pretty easy but if you need an extension he will ignore your email. does not care about mental health.
12/17/2023
Super interesting topics and professor facilitates class discussions really well. This class is what got me interested in majoring in philosophy.
12/12/2023
Great professor, excellent lectures, amazing personality. Participate in discussions because it adds to the enjoyment of the class. Very simple class structure and easy to follow along.
11/9/2023
The readings are engaging, but the actual lectures are not because we spend up to 30 minutes on one topic at a time. Since there is a no-technology policy, it is excruciating to sit there for that long and listen as he repeats what everyone said back to them. Tough grader on essays, almost no personality.
4/17/2023
I absolutely loved this class. The readings were so interesting and I found the essay topics thought provoking. However, Professor Gardner is a tough grader. Overall, has been my most interesting class at WashU
4/6/2023
He is not personable at all. If something in your life unexpectedly happens or something else, he does not care. Probably the worst professor I have ever encountered. Even if something happens out of your control, he will make it known that he does not care.
2/6/2023
class was very interesting. imo he treats women like they are dumb when they talk in class. its like he will repeat your comment and then mansplain it back, doesnt do this with men tho. topics in the course were very thought provoking.
1/21/2023
Attendance is not mandatory. He will say it is. Would not take again, Prof. Gardner is not understanding about mental health. Don't waste your time.
1/5/2022
BME was such an interesting class! You'll cover a wide variety of topics and it can feel a little bit like whiplash at times. Classes are heavily discussion-based so make sure you do the readings prior to class otherwise you will be totally lost. Prof. Gardner is very open to hearing all opinions and offers counter opinions only when needed.
12/13/2021
Hard grader on essays (even if you go in for office hours). Take the midterms instead of doing the essay options.
1/25/2018