This course examines the ethical and societal impacts of new applications in biology. Technologies examined include: genetically modified organisms; cloning of humans and other animals; genetic screening and gene therapy; reproductive technologies; organ and stem cell transplantation, neurotechnology and the convergence of humans and machines to repair or enhance human function. Broad issues affecting individual and societal decisions to accept or reject technologies will be discussed, such as risk/benefit assessments and regulation of new technologies. Students will be presented with many diverse perspectives through readings, discussions and seminars from professionals from both within and outside the university.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Discuss, in general terms, the science involved in new biotechnologies and the associated contextual issues
2. Research and critically evaluate a diversity of biotechnology information sources, and the diversity of perspectives they reflect
3. Create and apply a framework to assess the benefits and risks of biotechnologies
4. Identify and argue a personal view in the context of the debate about a biotechnology in both individual and team formats
5. Apply reflective and argumentative thinking to scientific, societal and personal views
Other Information
This course is NOT an online course. Students are required to attend on campus lectures/tutorials.Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Short Tutorial Essays (25%) to critically evaluate information and diverse perspectives (LO 2, 4)
- Participation in tutorials and submission of Tutorial Questions (10%) to explore personal views of biotechnology (LO 1, 4)
- Debate Reflection Report (10%) to critically evaluate diversity of information and perspectives (LO 2, 4)
- Long Tutorial essay (20%) to critically evaluate the science and context of a given biotechnology, create a framework for benefit/risk assessment, and argue a personal view (LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Case Study Assignment (35%) to demonstrate benefit/risk assessment framework and discuss scientific, societal and personal views about a biotechnology (LO 3, 4, 5)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3480 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4638 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8022 | 18 Jul 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 | 31 Aug 2016 | 28 Oct 2016 | In Person | N/A |