COVENANT UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Programme: Applied Biology and Biotechnology
Course Code: BLY 425
Course Title: Bio-ethic, Bio-safety, Patents and Regulations in Biotechnology
Units: 2
Course Lecturers: Dr. Omonhinmin A.C., Prof. Obembe O.O. Dr. Daramola F.Y
Course Coordinator: Dr. Omonhinmin A.C
Semester/Session: Omega, 2014/2015
A. Course Overview: This course entails the study of bioethics, Patents and regulations in
biotechnology, their significance and relevance in this century of fast advancing
biotechnological growth.
B. Course Objectives: At the end of this course, students will be able
 To demonstrate a basic understanding of bioethics, Patents and regulations in
biotechnology.
 To identify and expatiate on bioethical issues, defend the relevance of such guidelines
in this century of fast advancing biotechnological growth
 To demonstrate an understanding of International and National polices in this area.
C. Lecture Delivery/Teaching Aids: Lectures will be delivered through guided
Instructions and interactive classroom sessions using teaching aids such as Po werPoint
presentations, documentaries, classroom exercises/activities and debates.
D. Course Outline
Module I: Introduction to Bioethics
Week 1
Ethical theory, Bioethics in Biotechnology
Week 2
Problems with Rule-Based Ethics, Basic Features of Morality
Week 3
Ethical Reasoning, Universal Norms on bioethics
Module II: Overview of bioethical issues in various areas of biotechnology
Week
Week
Week
Module III:
Week
Week
4
Transgenesis (plant and animal), Plant Tissue Culture
5
Human Genome Project, Reproductive Technologies
6
Medicine and Forensics and pharmaceutical industry
Bio-safety
7
Definition and scope of Bio-safety. Regulatory bodies
8
Laboratory Bio-safety: Safe Bench Practices Handling of toxic
& mutagenic reagents
Module IV: Biohazards, risks assessment and management
Week 9
Biohazards, risks assessment and manag ement- Overview
Week 10 Environmental risks associated with gene manipulation.
Module V:
Week
Week
Week
Patents and regulations in biotechnology
11 Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) & Bio-piracy
12 Types of IPs, Patent filing and Infringement
13 Sui generis systems: policies and practices
Week 14 Revision and Evaluation
E. Tutorials
Revision and Evaluation
F. Structure of the Programme /Method of Grading
Continuous Assessment
30 Marks
i.
Test 1
15 Marks
ii.
Test 2
15 Marks
Semester Examination
70 Marks
Total: 100 Marks
G. Ground Rules and Regulations
 Please note the following
 Class attendance - 75% Mandatory
 All assignments must be submitted on time
 Punctuality and decorum must be maintained at all classes
 Active participation in all activities is expected and mandatory
H. Topics for Term Papers/ Assignment
1. Human Genome Project and the Bioethical issues
2. Expatiate on the relevance of Intellectual property rights
3. Environmental risks associated with gene manipulation
4. The future of genetic research- where do we draw the line?
I. Alignment with Covenant University Vision/Goal
The course is designed to equip our outgoing students/new generation lead ers with
knowledge regarding policies and requirements in the field bioethics, Patents and
regulations in biotechnology. Upon completion students will be able to identify and
expatiate on bioethical issues, defend the relevance of such guidelines in this century of
fast advancing biotechnological growth, and have an understanding of International and
National polices in this area.
J. Contemporary issues/industrial Relevance
Biotechnology is a product oriented science and thus has great industrial relevanc e. This
course will equip students with knowledge regarding policies and requirements in the
field bioethics, Patents and regulations in biotechnology
K. Recommended Reading
1. An Introduction to genetic Engineering by Desmond S.T. Nicholl
2. Principles of Genetic Manipulation by Primrose, Twyman and Old
3. Biotechnology: Demystifying the Concepts - Bourgaize, Jewell and Buiser
4. Cloning & the Future of Human Embryo Research- Paul Lauritzen
5. Elements of Biotechnology- P.K. Gupta
6. Genetic Engineering- A primer- Walter E. Hill