About this Course

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Synbio is a diverse field with diverse applications, and the different contexts (e.g., gain-of-function research, biofuels) raise different ethical and governance challenges. The objective of this course is to increase learners’ awareness and understanding of ethical and policy/governance issues that arise in the design, conduct and application of synthetic biology. The course will begin with a short history of recombinant DNA technology and how governance of that science developed and evolved, and progress through a series of areas of application of synbio. 
Content will be presented in many forms, including not only reading and lectures, but also recorded and live interviews and discussions with scientists, ethicists and policy makers. Learners will have the opportunity to think, write and talk about the issues and challenges in their own work and in real-life case examples. A final project will engage students in the development of governance models for synbio.

Learner Career Outcomes

33%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Intermediate Level

Approx. 14 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.66/5 (6 Ratings)

Debra JH Mathews, PhD, MA

Assistant Director for Science Programs

Berman Institute of Bioethics

5,220 Learners

1 Course

Learner Career Outcomes

33%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Intermediate Level

Approx. 14 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

1

Week 1

23 minutes to complete

Welcome to Engineering Life: SynBio, Bioethics & Public Policy

23 minutes to complete

1 video (Total 3 min), 1 reading

1 video

Course Introduction3m

1 reading

Syllabus: Engineering Life10m

3 hours to complete

Recombinant DNA Technology: Science and History

We start the course by learning a bit about the history and context of the development of recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology in the 1970s, the ethics and policy issues raised by that science, and how those issues remain with us today in synthetic biology. The work of the week includes lecture videos, readings, and an interview with LeRoy Walters, who was involved in the discussions and debates about rDNA in its early years. The week will conclude with a quiz.

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 105 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

8 videos

Week 1 Introduction1m

A Brief History of rDNA15m

A Brief History of Asilomar & the RAC19m

Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters (Part 1)19m

Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters (Part 2)21m

Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters (Part 3)12m

Relevant Contemporary Policy Context5m

The Emergence of SynBio9m

1 reading

Week 1 Readings10m

1 practice exercise

Week 1 Quiz30m

Week

2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

GOF Research

In Week 2 we will learn about and discuss gain of function (GOF) research and the dual-use concerns raised by synthetic biology. The work of the week includes lecture videos, a number of outside videos, and readings. The assessment this week will be your first peer-assessed project, and will focus on identifying ethical duties related to GOF research policy.

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 49 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

6 videos

Week 2 Introduction1m

Gain of Function Research5m

Dual Use Research9m

GOF Research Case Study: H5N112m

Ethical Issues Raised by GOF Research11m

Governance and GOF Research9m

2 readings

Week 2 Readings10m

Additional Video Content10m

Week

3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Biofuels

This week, we’ll learn about biofuels, the complex task of balancing the many ethical issues they raise, and the role of synthetic biology in biofuels development. The work of the week includes lecture videos, one outside video, readings, and an interview with Deborah Scott about biofuels governance. The week will conclude with a quiz.

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 69 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

7 videos

Week 3 Introduction1m

Biofuels9m

Applications5m

Case Study4m

Ethical Issues Raised by SynBio-based Biofuels8m

Interview: Deborah Scott, PhD, JD (Part 1)24m

Interview: Deborah Scott, PhD, JD (Part 2)14m

2 readings

Week 3 Readings10m

Additional Video Content10m

1 practice exercise

Week 3 Quiz30m

Week

4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Human Health

This week we will learn a bit about applications of synthetic biology to human health, and the ethics of human subjects research. The work of the week includes lecture videos, one outside video, and readings. The assessment this week will be your second peer-assessed project, and will build on your first project, from Week 2. This project will focus on identifying stakeholders in a policy decision, their interests in the decision, and the related ethical duties of the decision-maker.

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 50 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

7 videos

Week 4 Introduction1m

Synbio in Human Health5m

Human Genetic Modification6m

Case Study: Artemisinin6m

Case Study: GM Mosquitos8m

Ethical Issues Raised by SynBio-based Medical Applications13m

Governance of SynBio-based Medical Applications7m

2 readings

Week 4 Readings10m

Additional Video Content10m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
What is the most important thing I'll learn if I take this class?
The primary goal of this class is to help scientists think a bit more like policy makers and the public, seeing not only the incredible promise of the science they do, but also the potential risks and pitfalls, so these can be avoided or designed against at the beginning of a project, rather than at the end, when the challenges and costs are higher. Working with scholars, policy makers, and fellow learners, students will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the ethics and governance of synthetic biology.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy