Ateneo - UPO

The course consists of two modules: Communication Techniques and Introduction to Bio-law. In line with the theme of each module, the Communication Techniques module will focus on effective communication techniques and models for full employability, in accordance with the objectives of European recommendations on training; the Bio-law module will develop a reflection on the legal regulation of biological phenomena that are fundamental to human life.

Please refer to the individual module descriptions for details of the materials and reference texts indicated by the lecturers.

The communication techniques module aims to provide students with theoretical and methodological tools in the field of verbal and non-verbal codes and languages with a view to achieving full employability. The bio-law module pursues the following educational objectives: i) to introduce the concept and issues of bio-law; ii) enable students to identify the constitutional coordinates of bio-law; iii) familiarise students with the main thematic areas of bio-law, through the examination and discussion of “difficult cases” emblematic of bio-legal problems; iv) enable students to develop skills in the study and discussion of court cases; v) enable students to develop the ability to write descriptive and argumentative texts on bio-law topics.

In order to record the final grade, students must have passed Constitutional Law and Institutions of Private Law.

The course consists of lessons in which interaction with the class predominates, with lectures alternating with ‘flipped classroom’ sessions.

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) can request specific services and tools dedicated to them by contacting the Career Development and Coordination and Student Services Staff and consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentidisabili-e-dsa Once they have contacted the University Staff, students with disabilities, SLDs or SEN can contact the course lecturer to discuss the exam procedures and teaching aspects.

Learning will be assessed based on participation in classroom activities. Given its purpose and content, attendance at the seminar is therefore strongly recommended. Those who are unable to attend the lessons are requested to contact the lecturers for information on the materials to be studied in preparation for the non-attending student assessment.

Please refer to the individual course descriptions for details. The communication techniques course will cover: Soft skills for full employability; Communication methods and techniques - The bioethics course: 1. Bioethics as a field of study. Fundamental reasons starting from the change in the relationship between will and nature triggered by scientific and technological developments. Bioethics and biopolitics. 2. Protection of the human person and health. The right to health in the Italian Constitution. Health and healthcare. The National Health Service. 3. Environmental protection. Anthropocentrism and ecocentrism. Rights of the non-human world? One health. 4. Scientific research in the Italian Constitution. Politics, law and science. The science reserve. 5. Science and medical practice. Physician autonomy. Guidelines. 6. Freedom of self-determination. Informed consent in healthcare. 7. Beginning of life. Voluntary termination of pregnancy, protection of the human embryo, prenatal genetic testing, medically assisted procreation. 8. Medical and biotechnological innovations. Human and animal experimentation. Experimental drug treatments. 9. End of life. Advance treatment declarations. Life-sustaining treatments and their discontinuation. Euthanasia. 10. New rights, legislators, judges. National and transnational dimensions of bio-legal issues.

At the end of the seminar, students are expected to: Communication Techniques Module: At the end of the course, students will have gained awareness of soft skills and strengthened those most important for employability; they will have acquired skills in effective communication, both written and oral, applied in professional contexts; they will know how to negotiate, operate using communication in social networks and in the most appropriate professional context, as well as in the transition process from education to work. Bio-law module: i) have learned, in essential terms, the concept and issues of bio-law; ii) be able to identify the constitutional coordinates of bio-law; iii) be familiar with the main thematic areas of bio-law and some “difficult cases” emblematic of bio-legal problems; iv) be able to understand and discuss court cases; v) have developed the ability to write descriptive and argumentative texts on bio-law issues.