Date Posted: 07/20/2026Req ID: 49485Faculty/Division: Dalla Lana School of Public HealthDepartment: Dalla Lana School of Public HealthCampus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)  SESSIONAL LECTURER for Winter 2027 Term, at .5 FCE – CUPE 3902 Unit 3  

Course# & Course Title: PHL384H: Ethics, Genetics and Reproduction

Course Description

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.     

Course Learning Objectives

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  

Estimated course enrolment: 90

Estimated TA support: 90 hrs                                                                                   Schedule: Thursdays, 2-5pm                                                                                         Sessional dates: January 1, 2027 to April 30, 2027                               

Salary:            $9,997.48 (Sessional Lecturer I)

                        $10,699.22 (Sessional Lecturer I Long Term)                         $10,699.22 (Sessional Lecturer II)                         $10,953.96 (Sessional Lecturer II Long Term)                         $10,953.96 (Sessional Lecturer III)                         $11,228.90 (Sessional Lecturer III Long Term)              (Salary inclusive of 4% or 6% vacation pay, where applicable)   Please note that should rates stipulated in the Collective Agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.   Minimum Qualifications: 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.   Preferred Qualifications: 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.   Description of duties: 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.  

Application process

All individuals interested in this position must submit a Curriculum Vitae, and the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form (PDF or RTF, also available at https://uoft.me/CUPE-3902-Unit-3-Application-Form) to:   c/o   Christine Lowe Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Email:  christine.lowe@utoronto.ca  

Closing Date: 08/07/2026, 11:59PM EDT**

  This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement.    It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.     Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12 of the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.   Please note: Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.