Sessional Lecturer: PHL: Ethics, Genetics and Reproduction

Sessional Lecturer: PHL
384H – Ethics, Genetics and Reproduction

Posted: 07/20/2026 |
Req : 49485 |
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto) |
Faculty/Division: Dalla Lana School of Public Health |
Department: Dalla Lana School of Public Health

This course is an intermediate-level study of ethical and legal issues related to genetics and reproduction in contemporary health and healthcare systems. Although the primary emphasis will be on philosophical analysis, students will be exposed to a range of disciplinary perspectives to illuminate the practical and normative complexity of contemporary health policy and practice related to reproductive and genetic technologies. Key topics include reproductive rights and responsibilities;

parenthood; assisted reproductive technologies; ontological and moral status of human embryo and gametes; prenatal screening and diagnosis; genetic testing; genetic therapy; gene modification; uses of genetic data; and population genetics. Recent judicial decisions, regulatory guidance, and other policy directions will help to inform discussion of the evolving landscape of health policy and practice related to genetics and reproduction in Canada.

An overarching theme of the course is the exploration of the normative, social, and political implications of new reproductive and genetic technologies for us as individuals and as a society.

• To explore philosophical, ethical and legal issues related to reproductive health and technologies
• To explore philosophical, ethical and legal issues related to genetics and related technologies
• To assess implications of reproductive and genetic technologies on individuals and populations, including in clinical care, clinical research, population health, and health policy
• To examine the relationship between law, ethics, and society in relation to genetics and reproduction
• To develop skills in ethical reasoning and analysis on course topics

PhD in Philosophy, Bioethics or related field. Advanced knowledge of bioethics theory and its relationship to the course topics (genetics and reproduction) required. Experience teaching bioethics in a university setting required.

Experience with the study and application of bioethics theory to practical matters of health care, public health, and/or health policy strongly preferred. Previous experience teaching bioethics to undergraduate arts and sciences students preferred.

All normal duties related to teaching of a university credit course, including developing and delivering course content; developing and administering assignments; supervising teaching assistants (graders); maintaining regular communication with students; managing the Quercus course page; and calculating and submitting course grades.

• Estimated enrolment: 90 students
• Estimated TA support: 90 hours
• Schedule: Thursdays, 2–5 pm
• Sessional dates: January 1 2027 to April 30 2027

• Sessional Lecturer I – $9,997.48
• Sessional Lecturer I Long Term – $10,699.22
• Sessional Lecturer II – $10,699.22
• Sessional Lecturer II Long Term – $10,953.96
• Sessional Lecturer III – $10,953.96
• Sessional Lecturer III Long Term – $11,228.90

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, proactively seeking to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission. The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

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