Mar 28, 2024  
College Catalog 2009-2011 
    
College Catalog 2009-2011 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

BIOL 161 - Biotechnology and Society


This course will explore fundamental concepts in cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology by examining the scientific basis for developing and using novel biotechnologies in agriculture, medicine, and other arenas. Readings, lectures, discussions, and student presentations will focus on topics such as genetic manipulation of organisms (ranging from agricultural plants and animals to use of gene therapy and stem cells in humans), analysis and application of human genomic information (‘race-based’ medicine, genetic disease mapping), and DNA fingerprinting and the polymerase chain reaction (with special attention to prenatal and pre-implantation diagnosis and forensic applications), and will include historical and social perspectives. Students will examine science as an empirically based form of knowledge. No prerequisites. Three lecture hours per week. Offered occasionally. (4 Credits)