136-332 Biotechnology in Modern Society

Note

This subject is for Science students only. This subject is intended for students who are majoring in biological science. Students cannot gain credit for both this subject and 136-222.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Biology 600-101 with a 200-level Zoology, Botany or Genetics subject.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject will introduce science students to selected research and industrial applications of modern biotechnology in order to discuss the broader issues that arise from them. Case studies examined in this course will focus on specific applications of animal and plant biotechnology, pharmaceutical production, the human genome project, genetic screening and gene therapy. In the course students will be asked to consider a number of social, ethical, risk and regulatory issues arising from these technologies which are debated within the wider community. Several analytical perspectives on science and technology that have been developed within the history, philosophy and sociology of science will be taught, and students will be encouraged to apply these in their consideration of the material covered in the course.

Assessment

Best 10 of 12 tutorial exercises (250 words each) and a one hour in-class test (1500 words).