The course examines biotechnologies, including genetic technologies and modern medicine in social, environmental and ethical contexts. Case studies will be presented for discussion from areas such as: genetic modification of agricultural crops and animals for food and production of therapeutic substances; genetic modification for pest control and environmental conservation; cloning of animals and humans; medical areas of genetic screening and gene therapy; human reproductive technologies; organ and stem cell transplantation; and the convergence of humans and machines to repair or enhance human function. Lectures and seminars will raise broad issues, such as bioethics; risk/benefit assessment; intellectual property; regulation of new technologies; cognitive development and world view as these affect judgement. The course seeks to encourage the student to develop a deeper and more coherent understanding of the important implications that these technologies hold, not only for human beings, but for organisms in general. Both the promise and the threat of these new technologies will be considered.  

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Discuss, in general terms, the science involved in new biotechnologies and the associated contextual issues
2. Research and critically evaluate a diversity of biotechnology information sources, and the diversity of perspectives they reflect
3. Create and apply a framework to assess the benefits and risks of biotechnologies
4. Identify and argue a personal view in the context of the debate about a biotechnology in both individual and team formats
5. Apply reflective and argumentative thinking to scientific, societal and personal views

Assessment will be based on:

• Reflective Tutorial Reports (30%) to critically evaluate information and diverse perspectives (LO 2, 4)
• Participation in tutorials and submission of Tutorial Questions (10%) to explore personal views of biotechnology (LO 1, 4)
• Debate Reflection Report (10%) to critically evaluate diversity of information and perspectives (LO 2, 4)
• Research essay (25%) to critically evaluate the science and context of a given  biotechnology, create a framework for benefit/risk assessment, and argue a personal view (LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
• Case Study Assignment (25%) to demonstrate benefit/risk assessment framework and discuss scientific, societal and personal views about a biotechnology (LO 3, 4, 5)

Bachelor degree with some biology knowledge is required.