Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science
Prev 136-036 Philosophy of Science
Next 136-038 The Scientific Revolution

 136-037 Issues in the Modern Life Sciences

Note

Formerly available as 136-222/322. Students who have completed 136-222/322 Issues in the Modern Life Sciences are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Available at levels 2 and 3, except in Science (level 2 only). For Science level 3, see 136-337.

Credit Points

12.5

HECS Band

1

Coordinator

Dr Rosemary Robins

Prerequisites

Normally 75 points of level 1 study.

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 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 subject 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 subject.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising: best four of ten tutorial exercises of 250 words each, a 1-hour in-class test of 1000 words, and an essay of 2000 words.

Prescribed Texts

A subject reader will be available.

Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science
Prev 136-036 Philosophy of Science
Next 136-038 The Scientific Revolution
 
Status:                   Official 2000
Last Modified:            Thursday November 25 15:10
SGML to HTML Conversion:  Information Technology Services
Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au