Medical Ethics and Health Law builds on medical ethics presented particularly in second year Human Behaviour, to give students additional preparation for ethical issues which arise in their placements in hospitals, general practice and community settings during Years 3 to 6. The subject introduces students to medical practitioners responsibilities in law including the duty of care, obligations to maintain privacy and confidentiality, and the legal basis of registration and de-registration of medical practitioners. Principles of ethics and rules of law are considered in relation to specific issues including cloning and genetic engineering, withdrawal of treatment, and the funding of health care. Tutorials are based on material covered in lectures and seek to expand students understanding of ethics and law through discussion, structured debates and tutorial exercises. The overall aim of the subject is that students learn to demonstrate and apply an understanding of ethics and law as a part of their commitment to social responsibility and considerate and appropriate treatment of patients (and others) in the practice of medicine. Assessment: Consists of two tutorial assignments and an essay (which total 50% of the marks) and an end of session examination (contributing a further 50%).