Biotechnology is changing our understanding of health, agriculture,
ethics, the environment, and even what it means to be human.
Scientists are now editing human genomes using CRISPR, engineering crops to produce
pharmaceuticals, and rapidly sequencing genomes. As the pace of advances in biotechnology
continues to accelerate, we must ask and answer difficult questions, including: how do we
determine which modifications of human and other life forms are safe and appropriate? Who
should have access to your genetic information? How much of human behaviour is shaped by
our genes? And more generally, how do new advances in biotechnology affect our
understanding of ourselves, our relationships to each other and with the rest of nature?
The complexity of these issues demands that we approach biotechnology from several
directions. In BIOL 1010 we explore the scientific, ethical, legal, social and political dimensions
of biotechnology. We study the scientific foundations of biotechnology through lectures,
readings, videos and Forum discussions. Students build a vocabulary and set of intellectual
tools to understand and debate the future of biotechnology, including the roles of scientists,
governments, patient groups, legal experts and citizens. Students who successfully complete
this course will have the skills needed for life-long learning about the complex and rapidly
evolving field of biotechnology.
Calendar Description
BIOL 1010 [0.5 credit]
Biotechnology and Society
A course for students interested in the science behind recent advances in biotechnology. The
different ways in which biotechnology is being applied in agriculture, health care, and the
environment will be examined. Preclusion: credit will not be given if taken concurrently with,
or after BIOL 2200 or BIOC 2200. Students in Biology and Biochemistry programs may only take
this course as a free elective. Lectures three hours a week.