Program of Studies - Acton-Boxborough Regional School District ...

exercise physiology. Although this course is not leveled, the academic demands
are rigorous.
Semester course, 5 times per week, 2.5 credits
BIOETHICS 453 (Semester Course)
Grades: 11 - 12 Grouping: Heterogeneous
Prerequisite: Biology, or by Recommendation of the Department, and with
Parental Permission
Bioethics is a semester course intended for mature juniors/seniors having the
requisite attitude and science background. It will be taught in a seminar setting
where students will be expected to be responsible, serious in purpose, and
committed to the fulfillment of course expectations.
The following topics will be addressed in this course: doctor-assisted suicide
(euthanasia), abortion, fetal tissue research, animal/human experimentation,
alternative medicine, legalization of marijuana, AIDS, DNA science, cloning,
organ transplantation, stem cell research, reproductive biology, environmental
issues, public health, and designer babies.
Students will be required to write critiques, position papers and one research
paper. Participants will also be expected to orally articulate their views and
positions; in addition, they will be required to make a Power Point presentation
of their research. A Socratic methodology will be used to generate thoughtful
and cogent class discussions. We acknowledge that many of these important
issues are controversial; therefore, even though this is a science course, some
discussion of social implications will inevitably result. The purpose will not be to
moralize or proselytize, but instead, to promote a healthy exchange of ideas.
Departmental recommendation and parental permission are required for
participation.
Semester course, 5 times per week, 2.5 credits
BIOETHICS ONLINE 454 (Semester Course) (Hybrid On-Line Course)
Grades:11-12 Grouping: Heterogeneous
Prerequisite: Biology, or by recommendation of the Department, and with
Parental Permission
Bioethics Hybrid Online covers the same topics as the traditional Bioethics class.
Student participation will still be required, though the discussions, reports and
presentations will all occur both in-class and in an on-line environment. It is
expected that students enrolled in this class will have the self-discipline to stay
on the class schedule and the maturity to have on-line discussions of emotionally
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