Ethics instruction in an issues-oriented course on public health genetics

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Genetics
• Bioethics

Background:

• Public health ethics and genetics are rapidly growing fields.
• An "Issues in Public Health Genetics" course was developed to bridge these disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the ethics component of a multidisciplinary course.
• To emphasize translating ethical-social issues into public health policy.
• To explore the balance between individual interests and population welfare.

Main Methods:

• Course design focused on integrating genetics, ethics, and public health.
• Interactive exercises were used to address ethical-social issues.
• Case studies involved diverse community health needs.

Main Results:

• Students learned to navigate the tension between individual libertarian interests and population welfare.
• The course facilitated understanding of policy translation from ethical considerations.
• Key lessons in course design for public health genetics ethics were identified.

Conclusions:

• Effective public health genetics education requires integrating ethical principles.
• Balancing individual rights with community well-being is a core challenge.
• Course design should incorporate practical application and diverse perspectives.