From Cloning to CRISPR: Advancements and Prospects in Genetic Engineering

Catalog description

The foundations of genetic engineering and genome editing began with the discovery of DNA and the ability to synthesize DNA in the 1950s. Advances in gene-editing technologies over the past 60 years have brought us to an unprecedented time in science and medicine, where the possibility of generating personalized treatments with molecular biology tools is within reach. In this course, we will explore the major advances in genetic engineering and consider the implications for the future of medicine and biotechnology. We will read and discuss several peer-reviewed scientific articles to guide our survey of the history of genetic engineering. Along the way, we will develop our own research question that uses genetic engineering and biotechnology to answer it. This will take the form of a research grant proposal. We will also reflect on and discuss the ethical questions scientists have grappled with, as well as some ethical considerations for the future of genetic engineering. The course is discussion- and workshop-based. Discussions will be focused on peer-reviewed literature, and workshops will give us time to work in small groups or individually on specific components of the research grant proposal and other scientific writing. This course fulfills the Cell and Molecular breadth requirement of the BA and BS in Biology. Counts as a Disciplinary Communication course. Counts as a Moral & Ethical Reasoning course. Prereq: BIOL 215 .