THIS IS A ONE-SEMESTER COURSE.

This course will focus on the ethical and legal implications of the use of biotechnology for society. Advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have led to increased scrutiny of the ethics and morality of their potential possibilities, which span a variety of topics, from the collection and use of biospecimens to 3D-printed organs and tissues for transplants.

The course also covers bioengineering to create superfoods containing nutrients to fight malnutrition, as well as cutting-edge CRISPR gene editing (a genetic engineering technique in which the genomes of living organisms are modified) and bioinformatics. This technology has significant implications for its application in embryos to prevent inherited disease before birth, with strong bioethical concerns surrounding possibilities for the enhancement of human traits.

Class Meetings: Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: January 13 – May 12, 2026

Student Expectations: Each week there will be a list of assignments and activities for the next week posted in the online classroom. These may include readings, videos, websites, questions, quizzes, and short essays. Students must complete the assignments, which are typically due the following week before class. Students will also be expected to write a research paper on a current topic in the field of bioethics and biotechnology and present it to the other students in the course.

Student Support: The instructor is available by email.

Feedback/Assessment: The instructor will provide written feedback on activities and assignments.

Materials/Supplies: All necessary readings and assignments will be provided online.

Prerequisites: None. This is an introductory course, and students are not expected to have a background in biology, medicine, or genetics, although they should be able to read scientific papers and news articles and participate in course activities.