HSBH3004 Health Ethics and the Law – Assignment Manual
Sydney School of Health Sciences
HSBH3004 Health, Ethics and the Law
Semester 1 2024
Task description
Students can work either in pairs or by themselves on a research
project requiring investigation on a topic of choice, discussion of ethical
and legal aspects applicable to the topic, and either:
Option 1: a written report or
Option 2: multi-media presentation and written report.
Students may choose the question from a variety of topics outlined at
2.1 in the essay manual.
Task length
Option 1: 2000 words per pair of students or 1500 words if completed
individually.
Option 2: Students may alternatively choose to produce a multi-media
teaching resource of 5-7 minutes in length with accompanying 500
word text plus reference list (not included in the 750 words). See 1.1
below.
Links to unit’s
intended
learning
outcomes
• understand the sources of Australian law
• understand the part ethical decisions play in health care
• identify what constitutes an ethical or legal issue in the context of
health care provision, planning, clinical application and research
• understand the key concepts in law and ethics identified in the
lectures and apply these to case studies
• effectively engage in informed discussion (both written and oral) on
ethical issues arising in the health care context
• identify legal requirements applicable to health care work and
research
• produce written and oral work which reflects on the unit content
through individual research and group discussion.
Assessment
weighting This assessment is worth 40% of your final grade.
Dates and times
due By 11:59pm, Tuesday 14
th May - Week 10
1. Detailed Guidelines for Assignments
1.1 Description of task
You will need to create either 1) a report or 2) a multimedia presentation and short report that
explores the legal and ethical dimensions of a contemporary Australian healthcare issue (from
the topics outlined at point 2.1 below) based on a case study found in the media. You will
need to refer to the relevant ethical and legal principles discussed in lectures. You need to
provide concrete examples from your chosen case study for the points you make and utilise a
wide range of sources.
Research Report Manual
HSBH3004 Health Ethics and the Law – Assignment Manual
The case study should be chosen from an official news or scientific media source – i.e. an
established media outlet such as the ABC, the Conversation, a scientific magazine such as
Nature. Do not use a blog or other informal source.
For those choosing option 1) written report, you must include the following elements directly related
to your case study:
• discussion of the social context of the issue (10%)
• discussion of the legal context of the issue (20%)
• Two (or more) different ethical perspectives on the issue (60%)
• Your own ethical conclusion, explaining your rationale (10%)
The percentages outlined here should be used as a guide as to how much of the essay and
presentation should be spent on discussing each section. It does not relate to the grading of the
assignment.
For those choosing option 2) Multimedia Presentation and Short Report, you must include both
of the following:
• Multimedia presentation:
o in relation to your case study explore
 The social context of the issue (15%)
 The legal context of the issue (25%)
 Two different ethical perspectives (60%)
and
• Written report:
o Your own ethical perspective on the issue, what it is informed by and which
ethical perspective it most closely aligns with (500 words).
o Written reference list which briefly states which parts of the presentation each
reference was used for (one line only for each reference).
The percentages listed here relate to the per cent of time/word length given to a particular
element of the task; it doesn’t relate to the grading of the assignment.
Refer to the detailed criteria at point 3.1 below for the criteria against which the report will be
marked.
1.2 General Guidelines
• Students may work on their own or in pairs.
• Students who choose the group assignment option can belong to different tutorial
groups.
• You should draw on all the resources you have been given so far, plus conduct your own
research using a wide range of appropriate sources.
• All written assignments will be checked via Turnitin
• The reports (both the written option, and the personal reflection aspect of the multimedia
task) must be submitted online via the Turnitin submission link on the HSBH3004
eLearning site.
• When you submit your assignment you must check that you have received a receipt of
submission from Canvas/Turnitin (for written assignments and written components of
multi-media assignments).
• You should start to prepare your assignments early. For those working in groups you
HSBH3004 Health Ethics and the Law – Assignment Manual
need to meet early in semester and set ground rules for your partnership working so that
you get the essay completed effectively and on time.
• Both members of the group are responsible for ensuring the assignment is submitted on
time.
1.3 Generative AI guidelines
You can use generative AI as part of your research and discovery process. You must critically
analyse the AI response against other research and prioritise what you learn in the latter in
drafting your final report/presentation. You must submit an appendix describing how you have
used AI in your work, including a brief commentary/critique of its usefulness (maximum 250
words, not counted toward word count for assignment). If you have not used generative AI,
make this clear in your appendix and briefly explain why not.
You are allowed to use Grammarly to check your grammar and spelling. Be use it carefully, as its
suggestions can change the meaning of sentences. You should use it to teach you to become a
better writer, not just unthinkingly follow its dictates. Grammarly can be very helpful to shift
your writing from predominantly passive to active sentences.
1.4 Resources
This is a research assignment. You must demonstrate your capacity to conduct research and
read an adequate amount of literature on the chosen topics. The bare minimum (lecture notes
and primary readings) will not suffice. You must use an extensive selection of references (e.g.
10+ relevant references)
Students must choose one (1) topic from the list supplied at point 2.1 below and address it
using:
• the lecture notes and primary reading allocated to the lecture topic;
• a selection of additional readings relevant to your question: Under each topic within the
modules of the Canvas site you will find a number of additional readings that you can use
to support and enrich your presentation
• other sources that you find particularly useful, including journal articles, newspaper
reports, case reports and legal documents. Some of these are on the Canvas site, but
you need to go beyond those that have been given to you as part of the course.
Sources must be a mix of primary (e.g. case law, statutes, newspaper texts, policy papers)
and secondary sources (e.g. journal articles, academic books).
1.5 Word count and formatting
• Option 1: Your report will be 2,000 words (10% over or under ok) for group assignments
and 1500 for individual assignments, excluding the list of references and additional
documents (described below)
Sub-titles. This is not a formal essay. As a report, you need to decide how to design the
report and under which headings to include the information that you will need to address
the various questions under each topic. You need to come up with sub-headings that
reflect your argument and organisation of your work. You will still need to use an
introduction and conclusion and write in full sentences.
• Option 2: Your multi-media teaching resource will be 5-7 minutes in length with
accompanying 750 word text plus reference list (not included in the 750 words).
1.6 Due date
By 11:59pm, Tuesda 14th May – End of Week 10
N.B. Late assignments incur penalties (see HSBH3004 unit outline), unless you have an
approved Special Consideration through the official special consideration system.
For group assignments the penalty will apply equally to both members of the group.
1.7 Referencing
HSBH3004 Health Ethics and the Law – Assignment Manual
All your work must be duly referenced. The Sydney School of Health Sciences now uses the
American Psychological Association (APA) 6th referencing style.
1.8 Additional documents: The report may include
• Copies of newspaper articles, photographs or other media related to the topic covered
(limited to a maximum of 3 pages). Alternatively, you may provide a link to an online
media source. (List as ‘Appendices’ and attach to the back of your assignment but before
the list of References). It may be easier to refer to these in an appendix rather than to
use up all of your word count by describing a very complex case in detail. You can
describe it
HSBH3004 Health Ethics and the Law – Assignment Manual
generally in the report and then refer the reader to the appendix for further detail.
1.9 Assessment and Feedback
You will get feedback both before and after your report is submitted. There is ample time given
in workshops for you to get feedback on your ideas, references and structure as you gradually
create your assignment over the semester.
All submitted assignments will be given detailed feedback and will be marked according to the
criteria listed in point 3.1, below.
For group assignments: as this is a combined effort, the final grade will be the same for both
team members. This is to encourage you to persevere in your team effort, organisational skills
and collegiality, taking joint responsibility for the output. It is your responsibility to work
effectively as a team and manage conflict as you progress in your work. If you have problems
with your team member, then please speak to your tutor early, who will assist you with either
resolving your problems or developing an assignment topic that you can pursue on your own.
2.1 Essay topics
The essay topics are based on the substantive case studies provided in the lectures. All topics
need to be discussed in an Australian context.
• Treatment of extremely premature infants.
• Public funding of expensive life-saving medicines.
• Saviour siblings for transplants.
• Compulsory vaccination for children whose parents wish to access childcare
benefit.
• Tobacco control in hospitals for individuals undergoing compulsory mental health
treatment.
• A topic of your choosing.*
* note that if you choose this last ‘open’ topic you must decide early and discuss the topic
choice with the Jen by at least week 8.
For ideas for your own topic please consult the extra resources available on the HSBH3004
canvas site. There are a long list of podcasts, interesting articles and so forth to spur your
interest.
At the end of this document there are some questions which will help you think through your
topic choice.
Important! In order to do well in the assignment it is important to make your topic as
focused as possible. For example there is no way you can cover all the ethical and legal issues
related to overseas surrogacy. You would instead narrow down the topic according to a
particular issue and focus on a particular jurisdiction. Spend some time searching for relevant
media early on in the semester to find a topic that piques your interest.
3.1 Assessment Criteria
Marks 100% UNSATISFACTORY PASS CREDIT DISTINCTION HIGH DISTINCTION
20%
Understanding of
relevant ethical
and legal theories.
Use of relevant
documents.
Provide an inaccurate definition and portrayal of the legal and/or ethical concepts. References missing
Identify some ethical and legal concepts and approaches. Have struggled to convey a full understanding of the
Discuss the ethical and legal contexts are defined with some relevance to the case study. Your work draws on
Provide a clear and concise discussion of ethical and legal theory in relation to the case study. Understanding goes
Provide an excellent discussion of ethical and legal theory. Discussion clearly relevant to the case study.
HSBH3004 Health Ethics and the Law – Assignment Manual
or demonstrated use of inappropriate sources. legal and ethical concepts. References only the set readings.
references additional to those in the set readings. well beyond the set readings and lecture materials. Provides evidence of extensive, relevant reading including a range of different sources.
20%
Understanding of
the case study
chosen from an
Australian social
perspective.
Discussion of case study misses significant relevant elements.
Case study is explained with some examples given, but relevance not made clear.
Discussion of the case study is clear and relevant with examples provided.
Relevant dimensions of the case study are clearly understood with relevant examples used to illustrate the points made.
All relevant dimensions of the case study are clearly understood. Relevant and pertinent examples used to illustrate the issues.
35%
Application of
ethics and legal
theories to chosen
case study
Omit to link the theoretical and/or legal concepts with the case study. Self-reflection missing or not linked to ethical theories. Discussion of legal context missing or incorrect.
Some attempts made to link the theoretical and legal concepts with the case study. Some self-reflection evident but with errors in application of theory. Some aspects of the legal context discussed.
Theoretical and legal concepts linked with the case study. Self- reflection evident with relevant theories cited. Legal context identified.
Theoretical and legal concepts clearly synthesised with the case study. Excellent self-reflexivity evidenced in relation to relevant theoretical ideas. Understand clearly the different facets of the legal context.
Theoretical and legal concepts clearly and originally synthesised with the case study. Sophisticated self- reflection citing relevant ethical ideas. Excellent understanding of the legal context at all relevant levels of the law
15%
Communicate
using academic
writing and use of
relevant scholarly
texts
Have not provided a clear structure. Expression of ideas is unclear, and there are numerous spelling and grammar errors. Have many errors in the references in text and/or reference list.
Provide a basic structure (intro, body, conclusion). Sometimes have unclear expression, and there are some grammatical, spelling, punctuation errors. Referencing errors in text and/or reference list.
Provide a logical structure but there is room for improvement. Mostly express your ideas clearly with some grammatical errors. Have very few referencing errors in text or reference list.
Provide a clear logical structure including a clear introduction and conclusion. Generally use clear expression, free from spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. Provide evidence of wide, relevant reading, from a range of different sources. Reference correctly in text and in reference list.
Provide a logically sequenced essay or presentation structure with a clearly identifiable introduction and conclusion. Use clear and concise expression free from spelling, punctuation errors. Reference correctly in text and in reference list. All relevant documents attached.
10%
Explanation of use
and usefulness of
generative AI
Does not provide a reflection on the use of AI in the work, or critique of its usefulness
Provides a basic reflection on the use of AI in the work, with a simple critique of its usefulness
Provides a satisfactory reflection on the use of AI in the work, with a critique of its usefulness
Provides a clear and thoughtful reflection on the use of AI in the work, with a detailed critique of its usefulness
Provides a sophisticated reflection on the use of AI in the work, with a detailed and insightful critique of its usefulness
Total Mark
Multimedia rubric
Marks – 100% Fail Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction
Marks /40 0 19‐24 25‐29 29‐34 35‐40
HSBH3004 Health Ethics and the Law – Assignment Manual
30% Explains two different ethical perspectives, the Australian legal and social context of the chosen topic for the audience.
Most information is confusing and/or irrelevant. The topic is unclear, and/or there are factual errors and/or excessive use of jargon. Mandatory sections of the presentation are missing.
Most information is relevant and explained for the audience. However, some sections lack clarity or do not demonstrate a good understanding of the topic.
All information is relevant. Some connections made between different essential elements of the assessment. Relevant case studies are presented.
All information is relevant, explained clearly and is well integrated for the audience. The topic is consistently clear throughout. There are no factual errors. Case studies augment the information to illustrate key points.
As for Distinction plus the video shows a high level of clarity in synthesising essential information on the topic into a coherent whole. Case studies are highly effective in in illustrating the topic.
HSBH3004 Health Ethics and the Law – Assignment Manual
20% Uses an organised presentation to
The sequence of presentation is disorganised and/or difficult to follow. The video requires considerable effort from the audience to attend to and stay engaged with.
The sequence of presentation is mostly logical and organised. Some parts of the video are not easy to attend to and engage with.
The sequence of presentation is logical and well organised, making most of the video easy to engage with.
The sequence of presentation is logical and very well organised, making the video easy to engage with throughout.
As for distinction plus the sequence of presentation includes creative or persuasive aspects.
Marks /10 0 4‐5.5 5.6‐7 7.1‐8.5 8.5‐10 10% Use techniques of video content creation to engage audience
Substantial parts of the audio are indistinct or inaudible, and/or poorly synchronised. Many images and/or scenes are unintentionally blurred, indistinct or dark. No consideration given to the background environment of the video. No creative aspects.
Almost all audio is distinct. Almost all visual images are clear and adequately lit. Most images are adequately framed. Some camera stabilisation or movement and/or animation may be poor. Background environment is mostly compatible with the topic of the video. Limited creative aspects.
All audio is distinct, with minor inconsistent volume levels. All visual images are clear, well lit and framed, with good camera stabilisation and movement and/or animation. The background environment corresponds to the topic of the video. Some creative aspects.
All audio is distinct and volume levels are consistent. All visual images are clear, well lit and framed, with excellent camera stabilisation and movement and/or animation. The background environment is highly compatible with the topic of the video. Many creative aspects.
As for Distinction plus the video is novel in its content creation.
Marks /20 0 10‐12.8 12.9‐14.8 14.9‐16.8 16.9‐20 20% Uses scholarly sources that may also include media sources
Scholarly sources have not been used and referenced. Media sources if used have not been acknowledged. Media sources if used have been incorrectly and/or inappropriately chosen.
Scholarly sources have been used and correctly referenced. Most sources are appropriate. Any media sources have been clearly acknowledged (including displaying any licences) and have been mostly correctly and/or appropriately chosen.
Scholarly sources have been used and correctly referenced. All sources are appropriate. Any media sources have been clearly acknowledged in detail (including displaying any licences) and all have been correctly and/or appropriately chosen.
Scholarly sources have been used and correctly referenced. All sources are well chosen. Any media sources have been clearly acknowledged in detail (including displaying any licences) and all are very well chosen.
As for Distinction plus the selection of sources is sophisticated.
Marks /10 0 4‐5.5 5.6‐7 7.1‐8.5 8.5‐10 10% Creates a personal reflection which explores personal beliefs and their alignment with specific ethical concepts.
Personal reflection is absent or does not include a discussion of ethics.
Personal reflection is included and ethics discussed but there are factual errors in the understanding of ethical concepts presented.
Personal reflection is included and linked with a discussion of ethics. No factual errors.
Clear understanding of personal ethical perspectives, where these have come from and how they link with the broader context.
As for Distinction but there is a clear reflection on personal ethics and a sophisticated self reflection on where this fits with broader perspectives provided in the video presentation.
10%
Explanation of use
and usefulness of
generative AI
Does not provide a reflection on the use of AI in the work, or critique of its usefulness
Provides a basic reflection on the use of AI in the work, with a simple critique of its usefulness
Provides a satisfactory reflection on the use of AI in the work, with a critique of its usefulness
Provides a clear and thoughtful reflection on the use of AI in the work, with a detailed critique of its usefulness
Provides a sophisticated reflection on the use of AI in the work, with a detailed and insightful critique of its usefulness
Total Mark
HSBH3004 Health Ethics and the Law – Assignment Manual
3.2 Thought points for thinking through the assignment:
What ethical issue am I most interested in?
Is there an Australian-based media article that I can use as the basis for the assignment?
What legal perspective can I discuss in relation to this case study?
What two ethical perspectives can I take in relation to this case study?