Ethical reflections on science are not new. Think about the issues surrounding organ transplantation, artificial respirators or assisted fertilization. However, questions about medical assistance in dying and pandemic measures have made this field of study more relevant than ever. The University of Montreal also offers a master’s degree in bioethics which has seen its number of registrations double in one year.
In a context of loss of confidence in scientific authorities, the need to develop nuanced thinking is necessary, according to Professor Charles Dupras. “With the advancement of technology and scientific knowledge, many people have different opinions on their use,” he explains. We must think drawing inspiration from multiple disciplines such as philosophy, theology and sociology. »
A variety of perspectives that allow us to better analyze ethics in research, clinics, public health and the environment. This last aspect is of particular interest to Valentina de Maack, who obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology before studying bioethics. “I felt frustrated studying in a subject-specific program,” she says.
The student nevertheless understood early in her second cycle that she had to have a more or less concrete idea of the subject she was going to treat. “There are a lot of avenues in the bioethics program. From the first year, in our course choices, we felt that there was a specialization to choose. For example, I have never taken a course on research ethics. It’s a bit of a disappointment, even if we get to touch a little bit of everything. »
The program gives you the opportunity to collect tools and refine your thinking. “At the start of class, I thought I would take a lot of notes, but you don’t leave class with 13 handwritten pages. Mastery above all offers tools and thought patterns. We are immersed in situations and we are led to think. »
Having recently submitted her dissertation, Valentina de Maack is already enrolled in a doctorate in bioethics. “After the doctorate, the logical next step would be to continue in research, but teaching interests me more for the moment. A friend sees her future more in a government agency like the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS). »
The bioethics program also allows health professionals to have access to management positions in ethics committees of their organization or ethics offices in certain public agencies.
Springboard program: the University of Montreal (UdeM) offers a graduate microprogram in bioethics composed of six courses. Among other things, it allows health professionals to discuss issues in their practice during class discussion seminars.
Master’s degree: UdeM also offers a master’s degree in bioethics, either with the writing of a dissertation or with supervised work accompanied by an observation internship.
Prerequisite: a bachelor’s degree, without it necessarily being related to science
12: number of new registrations this year