Ethics in Biotechnology (3 cr)

Description

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the ethical implications of biotechnology, a field that utilizes biological processes and organisms to develop innovative products and applications. Biotechnologies encompass a wide range of technologies, including gene editing, cloning, stem cell research, and synthetic biology, with applications spanning medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and industrial processes. The course delves into the historical development of bioethics, examining the ethical considerations that have emerged alongside scientific advancements. Various models for ethical decision-making are explored in the course, as well as the concept of human dignity in the context of biotechnology, and the debate surrounding enhancement proposals. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of biotechnology’s ethical dimensions and enable them to contribute to responsible decision-making in this cutting-edge field.