Viewing Translational Genomics Through an Ethical, Legal/Policy, Social Implications (ELSI) Lens 2.5 Credits/Maximum of 2.5

Catalog description

This Humanities selective is designed for students interested in exploring the ethical, legal/policy, social implications (ELSI) of Translational Genomics. Translational genomics is a broad term that generally applies to the process of moving genomic science and technologies from the research laboratory into the clinical and public health domains. In the context of this course, it also refers to the use of emerging, novel (e.g. 'cutting edge') science in the clinic and for public health purposes. Genetics and genomics are rapidly entering the clinic and public health as tools not just for single gene conditions and rare conditions. In addition, the increased availability of one's genomic information has led to its secondary use in the legal system (e.g. foensics), search for family members, and determining family ancestry. Over the last several decades, ethicists, legal scholars, and social scientists have written and commented on the challenges in genetic research and translating new genetic technologies and research findings in these various domains, and with the increased access to genomic information, examining the different policy and social issues that arise continues to be important so as to facilitate ethical and responsible use of the technology.