SISP271

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SISP271

Biotechnology and Society SISP271 FA

Crosslistings: BIOL171

Next Offered in 9899 FA

The course will address major new tools and techniques of biotechnology, including recombinant DNA technologies, genetic engineering of microorganisms and animals, the human genome project and gene therapy and explore the impact of these technologies on healthcare as well as agriculture and the environment. The debates of ethics and risk/benefit engendered by these issues and the associated controversies surrounding claims of new organisms as intellectual property, the ethics of alteration of organisms (including humans) and the concerns for protection of biodiversity will be explored using primary material from literature. The goal will be to develop an understanding of how the culture of progress of biotechnology and various social and political forces in developed and developing countries collide and create ethical dilemmas that frame and drive robust debates. Topics will be introduced by the instructor, with presentations of aspects of the issues by students, followed by discussion.

MAJOR READINGS

Reading will primarily be drawn from
periodical literature.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Grading will be based on class participation, presentation of material and one major paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Although the course has no formal prerequisite in biology, some familiarity with basic biological concepts will be presumed. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Lecture Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: NSM BIOL

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-10-1997

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