Course Outcome Summary 2026-27

PHIL 150 Medical Ethics

Course Information

Course information
Course Number PHIL 150
Course Title Medical Ethics
Description This course examines the moral problems confronting medical providers and surveys the broader field of bioethics. After providing a general introduction to ethical concepts and theories, it focuses on specific issues relating to the American health care system, including access to care, inequality, obesity, reproductive rights, end-of-life care, disability, organ transplantation, and alternative medicine. Emphasis is placed on practical application of moral principles and critical analysis of case studies. (Prerequisites: Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score 250+ OR Classic Accuplacer Reading score 77+ OR MCA Reading score 1046+ OR ACT Reading 21+ OR completion of one of the following courses with a grade of C, 2.0, or higher: READ 0099, ENGL 0099, or ENGL 100 [or equivalent].) (MNTC Goal Areas 6, 9)
Total Credits 3
Total Hours 48
Types of Instruction: instruction type, credits, and hours
Instruction Type Credits and Hours
Lecture 3 Credits, 48 Hours

Pre/Corequisites

Prerequisite: Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score 250+ OR Classic Accuplacer Reading score 77+ OR MCA Reading score 1046+ OR ACT Reading 21+ OR completion of one of the following courses with a grade of C, 2.0, or higher: READ 0099, ENGL 0099, or ENGL 100 [or equivalent].

Course Competencies

  1. Explain key ethical concepts and theories in Medical Ethics.
  2. Analyze the ethical dimensions of the U.S. health care system.
  3. Analyze the ethical dimensions of the obesity epidemic.
  4. Analyze the ethical dimensions of the abortion debate.
  5. Analyze the ethical dimensions of the controversy over assisted suicide.
  6. Analyze the ethical dimensions of disability in America.
  7. Analyze the ethical dimensions of organ transplantation in America.
  8. Analyze the ethical dimensions of reproductive technology.
  9. Analyze the ethical dimensions of the treatment of nonhuman animals in the U.S.
  10. Analyze the ethical dimensions of the use of alternative medicine and spirituality in healthcare.

SCC Accessibility Statement

South Central College strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you have a disability and need accommodations for access to this class, contact the Academic Support Center to request and discuss accommodations.

North Mankato: Room B-132, (507) 389-7222; Faribault: Room A-116, (507) 332-7222.

Additional information and forms can be found at: southcentral.edu/disability

This material can be made available in alternative formats by contacting the Academic Support Center at 507-389-7222.