Search | Previous : 136-220/320 | Next : 136-224/324
Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science

136-222/322 Issues in the Modern Life Sciences

Note:

Students cannot gain credit for both this unit and 136-332.

Credit Points:

When taken from History and Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Arts:
16.7 2nd and 3rd year
When taken from History and Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Science:
12.5

Coordinator:

Ms Rosemary Robins

Prerequisite/s:

Normally 12.5 points of first-year HPS.

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

Up to three hours of lectures, seminars or tutorials a week

Objectives:

Students completing this subject should:

  • develop familiarity with several theoretical frameworks current within the history and social studies of science;

  • gain practical experience (oral and written) in the critical application of these frameworks to issues in the modern life sciences.

Content:

Historical, social, feminist and policy issues arising in relation to modern life sciences such as the recombinant DNA safety debate, genetic engineering, the human genome project, in-vitro fertilisation, genetic screening and gene therapy.

Assessment:

The best ten of twelve tutorial exercises (250 words each 40%), a class test to be held during final lecture period (1000 words 20%), an essay (2000 words 40%).

Prescribed Texts:

Printed course materials will be available for purchase from the Bookroom. By way of general introduction to the issues discussed in the course the following books are recommended.

  • G. Nossal, Reshaping Life, MUP (1984).
  • D. Suzuki and P. Knudtson, Genethics, Allen and Unwin (1988).
  • Report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, Genetic Manipulation: The threat or the glory, AGPS (1992).
  • Lorraine Hepburn, OVA-DOSE?, Allen & Unwin (1992).
Search | Previous : 136-220/320 | Next : 136-224/324
Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
SGML to HTML Conversion:  Information Technology Services
Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.