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:
- Discuss the science involved in new biotechnologies and the associated contextual issues
- Understand and employ a range of approaches to ethical and moral reasoning
- Evaluate facts, values, and arguments from a variety of information sources
- Assess the benefits, risks, and societal & ethical implications of biotechnologies
- Identify a personal view in the context of the debate about a biotechnology
- Research facts, values, and ethical arguments about unfamiliar topics
Other Information
This course is NOT an online course. Students are required to attend on campus lectures/tutorials.
Indicative Assessment
- Short argumentative essays (70) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Long research essay (20) [LO 2,3,4,5,6]
- Tutorial discussions, and submission of reflective questions in tutorials (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
None
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 |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4050 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8700 | 27 Jul 2020 | 03 Aug 2020 | 31 Aug 2020 | 30 Oct 2020 | In Person | View |