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 136-337 Biotechnology in Modern Society

Note

Formerly available as 136-332. Students who have completed 136-332 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Only available at Science level 3; for other levels, see 136-037. This subject is intended for students who are majoring in biological science. Students cannot gain credit for both this subject and 136-222/322 before 1999 or 136-037 after 1998.

Availability

3rd year

Credit Points

12.5

Coordinator

Rosemary Robins

Prerequisites

Normally, two second year HPS subjects and Biology 141 and 142. Alternatively, Biology 141 and 142 and two second year Zoology, Botany or Genetics subjects.

Semester

2 (view timetable)

Contact

Between 10 and 12 weekly tutorials and between 20 and 24 lectures, normally two per week

Subject Description

This subject is identical in all respects to 136-037, except for the assessment. This subject will introduce 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

Written work which may comprise classpapers, essays and class tests totalling 6000 words.

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Status:                   Official 1999
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au