We will explore both background material and current research on a variety of biotechnologies. Discussion groups and seminars will cover the ethical, societal and environmental impacts of biotechnology. There will be some critical analysis of public policy and the value of biotechnologies to science and the public. Specific topics will likely include synthetic biology, human cloning, xenotransplants, stem cells, nanomaterials, marine biotechnology, eugenics, patenting of genes, and the release of GMOs and other biotechnologies to the environment. Plant biotechnology will not be covered in depth since there is a separate seminar course for this topic.
Important Information
Prerequisite
Level 4 or above and registration in a Biology Honours Plan [BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA- P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, BTEC-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH] and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List or permission from the Department.
Exclusion
BIOL 441.
