Biomedical engineers are faced with an especially broad array of ethical and moral issues in the conduct of their professions. This course is intended to equip future engineers with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the complex ethical challenges they will encounter in their careers. Biomedical engineering innovations directly impact human health, safety, and well-being, making it vital for students to understand the ethical implications of their work. Topics covered, such as patient privacy, consent, equity in healthcare access, and the responsible use of emerging technologies (e.g., genetic engineering, AI in diagnostics), ensure that students can contribute positively to the field while prioritizing human rights, justice, and social responsibility. By integrating ethical decision-making into their technical education, this course helps prepare students to become leaders, who are not only skilled engineers, but also thoughtful, conscientious professionals committed to the greater good. Students will work in teams to study and evaluate a variety of case studies, communicating different angles and the resulting consequences of different options. Moreover, as engineering majors, students will also be able to apply quantitative reasoning to assess, for example, the statistical significance of proposed treatments. Presentations to the class will enable broader discussions and arrays of viewpoints, while identifying ethical principles. Effective Spring 2026, this course fulfills a single requirement in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.