Course - Biotechnology and Ethics - FI3107
Biotechnology and Ethics
About
About the course
Course content
FI3107 reviews the ethical debate concerning both the research and application of modern biotechnology in a broad sense. Biotechnology is discussed in view of relevant ethical theories, worldviews, and central historical examples and lines of development. Relevant topics are debates concerning assisted reproduction, animal experimentation, organ donation, genetic improvement, the use of genetic information, selective abortion and euthanasia. Other issues of importance are precaution and risk assessment in relation to applications of biotechnology in agriculture and aquaculture.
Learning outcome
The students will acquire an overview of essential issues related to the development and application of modern biotechnology. They should be able to analyze these issues and to discuss and reflect on how to solve problems within this field, both orally and in writing.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures, plenary discussions, group work
In order to sit the exam the students must complete an oral presentation and have 80 % attendance.
Compulsory assignments
- One oral presentation per student
- 80 % attendance
Further on evaluation
About the essay:
The essay topic must be approved by the course instructors.
The essay should be approx. 12 pages long in 12-point Times New Roman, 1.5-line spacing.
The essay should be based on reading of the student's own choice (100-150 pages), in addition to 200 pages of obligatory readings. The essay should be argumentative. The essay can be written in either Norwegian or English.
Course materials
The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester
Subject areas
- Philosophy