The programme itself is unique in its combination of taught elements, which are designed to ensure a genuine sense of community among the participants, and friendly but relentless supervision by world-class scholars in the field; the topics and themes which are covered during the taught period and which are suitable for the students' postgraduate research include classical and contemporary issues: Abortion; euthanasia; resource allocation in health care; public health activities; life-style regulation; assisted reproduction; gene therapy; genetic testing; human enhancements; cloning; stem cell research; the doctor-patient relationship; professional responsibility; and the legal and ethical status of living; dead, and unborn bodies; as well as central principles and doctrines like: autonomy; rights; sanctity of life; justice; utility; self-determination; dignity; solidarity; precaution; self-governance; and the role of society and community in medicine and health care; all of these are approached in an analytical and structured way, combining the methodological strengths of medical law and philosophical ethics.