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
Exclusion
BIOL 441.
Prerequisite
Level 4 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 and (BIOL 330/3.0 or BIOL 334/3.0 or BIOL 341/3.0 or BIOL 430/3.0) or permission of the Department.
