Biotechnology Society

This course will introduce students to selected research and commercial applications of

modern biotechnology in order to discuss the broader social, ethical, risk, and regulatory

issues that arise from them. A range of topics will be covered in this course, including

genetic engineering, cloning, stem cell research, xenotransplantation, the production of

pharmaceuticals, the human genome project, genetic testing, assisted reproductive

technologies, and synthetic biology. Students will consider debates that have taken

place in the wider community about ownership, commercialisation, identity, governance,

animal welfare, human well-being, and expertise in relation to these applications of

modern biotechnology.