Biology Ethical Frontiers

Catalog description

Advances in technology have produced many drugs, devices and scientific manipulations that can intervene in and alter human life at various levels. Advances in technology have also affected ecosystems, with serious implications for humans and other organisms. Questions have been raised about the ethics of these interventions at all levels. This course will review the science behind biological issues with ethcial implications, using textbook material and primary scientific literature. Students will integrate this information and use it to explore and analyze scientific data, they will then formulate and justify ethical viewpoints on topics discussed. This course is for upper level undergraduates and graduate students. Permission of instructor required. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer. Course Learning Outcomes 1. Review scientific concepts and scientific literature associated with recent developments in the life sciences that have ethical implications. 2. Critically analyze information about ethical issues in the life sciences. 3. Articulate understanding of these issues and put forth informed student views, via writing assignments, and on-line and in class discussions. View Class Schedule