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About Study Course

ECTS:6
Course supervisor:Uldis Vēgners
Study type:Full time
Course level:Master's
Target audience:Medicine
Language:English, Latvian
Study course description Full description, Full time
Branch of science:Applied Sociology; Other social sciences; Sociology and social work

Objective

Give students an understanding of the ethical and social dimensions of healthcare and biomedicine - the ethical frameworks and sociological contexts that make up healthcare. The course will promote critical thinking about ethical dilemmas in medicine and about will strengthen understanding of social determinants of health, disease and healthcare, health inequalities, patient-doctor relationships and professional responsibility. The acquired analytical skills will allow you to deal with complex moral individual and collective challenges in clinical practice, research and public health.

Prerequisites

In order to successfully acquire the intended study course, the student does not need specific prerequisites.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

1.Students will navigate key ethical theoretical approaches, problems and principles in bioethical discourse.

Skills

1.Students will develop the ability to define key ethical theories and concepts of bioethics, identify and explain bioethical problems and dilemmas, and apply their expertise to analyze and discuss ethical cases, be able to form and formulate sound arguments, and address moral dilemmas using theoretical frameworks of bioethics.

Competence

1.By successfully completing the course, students will be able to use ethical principles respectfully and consistently and independently in patient care and decision-making; recognise and respond appropriately to social determinants affecting patient health and access to healthcare; to navigate institutional and policy contexts with knowledge of professional norms, patients’ rights and the principle of fairness; and participate in critical and interdisciplinary cooperation, able to balance clinical, moral, cultural and sociological aspects.

Study course planning

Planning period:Year 2026, Spring semester
Study programmeStudy semesterProgram levelStudy course categoryLecturersSchedule
Medicine2Master'sRequired
Medicine2Master'sRequired
Medicine 1Master'sRequired