Biotechnology, Ethics and Society

This course examines the scientific foundations and public policy implications of genetics and biotechnology. Students explore how misconceptions about genetics have shaped public understanding, social attitudes, and policy debates, often resulting in deterministic views of human traits, identity, and behavior. Moving beyond traditional Mendelian models, the course introduces contemporary concepts in population genetics, human diversity, and genomic science to provide a more accurate understanding of how genes influence individuals and populations.

The course investigates the policy implications of genetic literacy in areas including race and ancestry, sex and gender, biotechnology, food systems, public health, and emerging genomic technologies. Students examine scientific and ethical debates surrounding genetic modification, CRISPR gene editing, genomic data privacy, and the regulation of biotechnology. Through case studies and policy analysis, the course develops students' ability to evaluate scientific evidence, assess competing claims about genetics and society, and engage thoughtfully with the governance challenges posed by advances in biotechnology and genomics.