This course explores the ethical and social impacts of shifting scientific paradigms. We will examine the basic science of emerging biotechnological advances and some problems associated with them.
Readings and sources, from recent interdisciplinary literature, will help form the basis of our search. The rapidly changing nature of technological innovation provides a wealth of new material, but we will also look to centuries of human experience for ethical reference points in considering the broad social implications of these rapid changes.
A. Verbal-Linguistic
The Playing Field
- Genetic Engineering – How we react to it
- FAQ - Transhumanism
- Politics and Policy: A Defense of Transhumanism
- History of Science
- Xenotransplantation
- Article on Neuron Control
Some of us might not have written in an MLA format. Maybe we aren't familiar with the technologies used in this course. For these types of questions, the resources listed below are provided to describe, serve as examples, and as relevant information sources needed to interact effectively in this web-based setting.
Support Resources
- Writing in a digital environment.
- The how’s and why’s of podcasting.
- Roles of the distance learner.
- A Biotechnology Web Portal
B. Logical-Mathematical
The material included in this section displays cost and benefit analyses for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) or Biotech crop yields. View the three sites below that form a general favorable analysis of GMO. After reviewing these pro-GMO sites, search the web for information presenting an oppositional viewpoint and post the url link for two sites you find to be persuasive.
- Biotech Acres: Global Biotech Plantings Show Double-Digit Growth for 10th Straight Year
- Economic Benefits of Biotech Crops
- Video: Clive James on the Promise of Biotechnology —
CBI
These interactive global maps will help you visualize the growth of technology in general and biotechnology specifically. The last map, Earth at Night, provides a nice visual companion to understanding where the industrialized and non-industrialized sections of the world are located.
After reviewing the maps, find two universities or research centers on different continents that are conducting research into biotechnology. Post a picture related to each school you find. Please include a a label or ensure the school is easily identifiable to other readers of the wiki.
 World Stem Cell Map |  Origin of Food Production Map |
 Biotechnology Clusters Map 2006 |  Digital Innovation Map 2000 |
D. Bodily-Kinesthetic
Information for those wisjhng to attend the International Plant and Animal Genome Conference in San Diego, Ca. Click on the image below for conference information.
E. Interpersonal
This blog is an example of interpersonal collaboration, as each student will have avenues for interaction and posting.
How will these new developments affect me? Glad you asked. Visit these sites and explore the personal nature of the biotech (r)evolution. After reading these articles, post on the class wiki your answer to the question, "How could this or similar technology be used to enhance your own healthcare?"
Diagnosis and Medicine in a Pill
The Future Begins Today
