GENETICS AND SOCIETY
A COURSE OUTLINE
DESCRIPTION
This course provides students an introduction to key issues relating to genomics in society. It
explores the pros and cons of genetics in society, social, ethical and policy questions raised by genomics in the
context of:
• synthetic biology,
• genetics and crops,
• genetic modification of domestic animals,
• genetics and conservation,
• human genetic therapies and human enhancement,
• privacy and genetic information.
MODULE AIMS
to:
-
The target audience of this module are the Grade 12 Senior High School students. This module specifically, aims
Introduce key issues relating to genetics and genomics in the society
Explore the pros and cons of genetics in society
Explore social, ethical and policy questions on:
o Synthetic biology,
o Genetics and crops,
o Genetic modification of domestic animals,
o Genetics and conservation,
o Human genetic therapies and human enhancements and;
o Privacy and genetic information
- Participate in a six-unit discussion on given topics related to genetics
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
a. Module Specific Skills and Knowledge
- Show sound understanding of basic scientific concepts relating to genomics
- Take part in scheduled discussions about issues in genomics in an openreasonable and reasoned way
minded,
- Demonstrate critical thinking, in terms of questioning their own assumptions, with
others’ arguments and showing willingness to reconsider and reformulate
their own positions
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
b. Discipline Specific Skills
- Recognize ways in which different forms of genetic technology arise from, are
embedded in, and impact on society and the environment
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
c. Personal and Key Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
- Identify and explain different values and ethical approaches that might be at
stake in various genetic and genomic technologies, and show understanding of why deep and
enduring ethical conflicts about genetics and genomics arise
- Apply different theoretical, value and policy-making approaches to real life issues and
case studies
SYLLABUS PLAN
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL: GENETICS, ETHICS
& POLICY
Week 1-2: Introduction to the Course
Introduction to Key Themes, Values and Ethical Theories
(1st and 2nd Discussion)
Week 3-4: Introduction to Genomics and Policy
(3rd Discussion)
UNIT 2: SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY/GENETICS
Week 5: Synthetic Biology
(4th Discussion)
Week 6: Synthetic Biology and Biofuels
(5th Discussion)
UNIT 3: GENETICS IN SOCIETY
Week 7: Pros and Cons of Genetics in
(6th Discussion)
Society
SYLLABUS PLAN
Assessment, Attendance and Grading
SYLLABUS PLAN
Attendance Policy:
Meeting will be 3 times a week, 2 hours per session
Late Work:
will still be accepted but with deducted points
SYLLABUS PLAN
Grade Assignment and Weighting:
Grade Weighting
1. Participation in six-unit discussions: 5% each
2. Two case study analyses: 20% each
3. Final case study analysis
30%
(30%)
(40%)
(30%)
SYLLABUS PLAN
Grading Scale:
90-100
85-89
80-84
75-79
<74
Outstanding
Excellent
Developing
Needs improvement
Failed
SYLLABUS PLAN
Assessment Tasks
1. Contribution to discussion: 30% of the final grade (5% each).
The course contains six assessed discussions. Your contribution to these 6 discussions will be worth
30% of your final grade. The material contains guidance as to what is being sought and a grading
rubric is available. Opening and closing dates for each discussion will be made available.
SYLLABUS PLAN
Assessment Tasks
2. Case studies: 40% of the final grade (20% each).
You should choose any two of the case studies provided and write them up, following
guidance online and with reference to the grading rubric, the model case study and the
Ethics Assessment Process. Your case studies should be 4 pages maximum (excluding
references).
SYLLABUS PLAN
Assessment Tasks
3. Final case study: 30% of the final grade.
This 6-page case study analysis will draw on different aspects of genomics covered on
the class, and requires some independent reading. Further details are available online.
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES
This course will run in a regular face-to-face class. Course materials include:
• written text discussing key social and ethical questions raised by genomic and genetic technologies,
• videos from a number of speakers who are leaders in the field,
• case studies,
• and links to a variety of resources.
Every week contains reading assignments.
Students are also required to participate in graded discussions and to submit case studies.
Thank you! 