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!