Ethical issues and the teaching of biology

Abstract

The rapid development of the life-sciences has created a great number of ethical problems. Biology is one subject which encompasses several of these controversial issues. This dissertation starts off by investigating which of these are included in the biological aspects of the primary and early secondary integrated science syllabi and the biology syllabus for forms 3. 4 and 5. It also highlights other ethical issues which could be included. during the biology lesson. Another aspect mentioned here is that of the "hidden curriculum". The results of interviews carried out with biology teachers, regarding the ethically sensitive issues in the teaching of biology, are also included and analysed. This dissertation emphasizes the necessity of discussions on ethical issues in the biology classroom, to provide students with an all-round education in preparation for their lives. The approach and teaching methods the teacher adopts could also be crucial in determining the type of values the pupils are going to acquire through the ethical issues that are tackled during biology lessons.