• Offered by Biology Teaching and Learning Centre
  • ANU College ANU Joint Colleges of Science
  • Course subject Biology
  • Areas of interest Biology
  • Academic career UGRD
  • Course convener
    • AsPr Robert Lanfear
  • Mode of delivery In Person
  • Co-taught Course
  • Offered in Second Semester 2019
    See Future Offerings

Expression of interest is required to enrol in this course. Please see "other information' for details.

This course examines the ethical and societal impacts of new applications in biology. Technologies examined include: artificial intelligence; genetically modified organisms; cloning of humans and other animals; genetic screening and gene therapy; reproductive technologies; organ and stem cell transplantation, and the convergence of humans and machines. 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, tutorial discussions and lectures.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

  1. Discuss the science involved in new biotechnologies and the associated contextual issues
  2. Understand and employ a range of approaches to ethical and moral reasoning
  3. Evaluate facts, values, and arguments from a variety of information sources
  4. Assess the benefits, risks, and societal & ethical implications of biotechnologies
  5. Identify a personal view in the context of the debate about a biotechnology

Other Information

This course is NOT an online course. Students are required to attend on campus lectures/tutorials.

To enrol in this course you must have completed 96 units towards a degree and complete an expression of interest form. 

 To register interest in this course for Semester 2 2019 please fill in an expression of interest form.

 

Registrations will close on June 30. Students will be notified the outcome in early July.

Indicative Assessment

  1. 4 x Short ethical argument essays 90% (LO 1-5) (90) [LO null]
  2. Tutorial discussions, and submission of reflective reports in tutorials 10% (LO 1-5) (10) [LO null]

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.

Workload

Two lectures, one workshop, and a one-hour tutorial per week. Extensive reading.

Inherent Requirements

Not applicable

Requisite and Incompatibility

To enrol in this course you must have completed 96 units towards a degree. Incompatible with BIOL6191.

Majors

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
Domestic fee paying students
Year Fee
2019 $3840
International fee paying students
Year Fee
2019 $5460
Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

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.

The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.
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
7389 22 Jul 2019 29 Jul 2019 31 Aug 2019 25 Oct 2019 In Person View

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions