BETH 5201 - Ethics and Biotechnology: Genes & Stem Cells

This unit of study introduces students to the broader ethical, philosophical, social, political, legal and regulatory issues that underlie genetics, stem cell research and the emerging biotechnologies. The course will begin by providing a brief overview of the relevant science before considering differences between scientific, cultural and religious understandings of life and human identity. The second part of the course will review the political, regulatory and commercial context of biotechnology and the control of information. Students will then review the history of genetics and eugenics and the ethical issues that arise in clinical and population genetics, stem cell research and cloning. The final part of the course will explore the boundaries of research and knowledge and the issues raised by emerging biotechnologies, such as nanotechnology and proteomics. Students will be able to concentrate on stem cell research, clinical or molecular genetics or other biotechnologies according to their clinical and scientific interests and experience. Learning activities will include an intensive seminar program, small group sessions, online learning activities and essay-style assessment tasks.

Next offered Semester 2, 2009 as a one day intensive in week 2: Thursday 6 August, 9-5pm and as a fortnightly seminar on Thursday afternoons from 4-6pm in weeks 1, 3, 5 , 7 and 9. See the timetable for class rooms.

Contact course co-ordinator
Dr Catherine Mills
Ph: +61 2 9036 3410