Given the rapid recent advances in genomics, agriculture, transgenic biology, stem cell research and other related areas of biotechnology and a prediction that these fields will continue to mature and become increasingly more sophisticated, there is an growing need to create an informed and educated student in this area. We believe that a working knowledge of DNA, genetics, and biotechnology has become as fundamental to a basic education as an understanding of the solar system. In addition, biotechnology fields offer students career opportunities which is best recognized early in their academics so that they can make the appropriate choices to be best prepared.
The rise of recent controversy and misconceptions about many areas of biotechnology including GMOs in food, vaccines and vaccination, personalized medicine, stem cell research and many other topics creates a growing educational challenge. The introduction of a general education course which concentrates on evidence based knowledge on biotechnology and is developed for a general audience with a large potential enrollment is designed to meet that challenge. In turn our experience shows that such a course serves to recruit new scientists and other participants into the careers in the emerging new fields of biotechnology and stimulates further interest in STEM related disciplines. The courses in this series have been established in the curriculum over the past several years with high student demand and interest.
Given the scope and impact of biology and biotechnology currently and into the future, there are few general courses that are more socially relevant. "Scientific issues permeate the law. I believe [that] in this age of science we must build legal foundations that are sound in science as well as in law. The result, in my view will further not only the interests of truth but also of justice." (US Supreme Court Justice Breyer, 1998). The introductory biotechnology course presents the basis for biological life, and describe the tools for the way we work with life in the fields of biotechnology.
First, in Part I of Issues in Biotechnology, the basic questions What is Life? and How does it work? are examined. How do we go from DNA to an organism that can discuss it?; let alone engineer it. To address these questions, the fundamental mechanics of biological life, DNA, gene expression and cloning are presented in basic terms as a basis for the current applications of modern biotechnology. Evolution is described for how it happens at a molecular level. Next, in Part II the current basic techniques used for gene cloning, DNA sequencing, PCR and gene transfer are examined. These technologies provide the basis for biotechnological advances in agricultural, medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, environmental, and forensic applications. Applications of recombinant DNA and genetic engineering are explored in these areas that are dramatically affecting our society and future. Lastly, the implications of biotechnology to world economy, politics, careers, ecology social concerns and ethics are also discussed.
This lecture provides an Overview of the Course. The first lecture gives an overview of the Course as it is presented in two major Sections. In Section I. The basic questions: What is Life? and, How Does it Work? Are addressed. From DNA to Life, The Mechanics of Life and General Biotechnology provide a foundation for the next question; -How Do We Work With Life? Including; Gene Cloning, PCR and DNA Sequencing. In Section II. The Applications of Biotechnology looks at The Way We Work With Life; Incorporated throughout the course are the Ethics and Social Concerns which surround these important and socially relevant applications and ideas.
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