CHEM 1054 - Genetic Engineering and Society

Crosslisted With BIOL 1054
FDR: Lab Science (SL)
Credits: 4

Humans have manipulated genes for thousands of years to make better crops and domesticate animals, but in the last century the ability to transfer genes from one organism to another (genetic engineering) has dramatically changed our understanding of biology and our lives. In this course. we explore the nuts and bolts of genetic engineering and a small sampling of its applications, including developing drugs and vaccinations, enhancing crops, testing for genetic diseases, and genetic testing in the courtroom. These applications introduce ethical considerations that we debate. In addition, we use molecular biology tools to carry out our own genetic engineering projects with spider silk genes, which have potential for multiple medical and industrial applications. The course culminates with students making a sales pitch to biotech companies to buy their spider silk genes.