About this course: 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.
Who is this class for: This course is targeted to trainees and professionals in synthetic biology, though others familiar with the science may also find the course interesting, accessible and useful. All materials are in English, so English reading and speaking proficiency is necessary.
Taught by: Debra JH Mathews, PhD, MA, Assistant Director for Science Programs
Berman Institute of Bioethics
| Level | Intermediate |
| Commitment | 6 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
- Reading: Syllabus: Engineering Life
- Discussion Prompt: Personal Experience - Week 1
- Reading: Week 1 Readings
- Video: A Brief History of rDNA
- Video: A Brief History of Asilomar & the RAC
- Video: Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters (Part 1)
- Video: Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters (Part 2)
- Video: Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters (Part 3)
- Video: Relevant Contemporary Policy Context
- Video: The Emergence of SynBio
- Discussion Prompt: Week 1: What Surprised You?
- Reading: Week 2 Readings
- Discussion Prompt: Personal Experience - Week 2
- Video: Gain of Function Research
- Video: Dual Use Research
- Video: GOF Research Case Study: H5N1
- Video: Ethical Issues Raised by GOF Research
- Video: Governance and GOF Research
- Reading: Additional Video Content
- Discussion Prompt: Week 2: What Surprised You?
- Reading: Week 3 Readings
- Discussion Prompt: Personal Experience - Week 3
- Video: Biofuels
- Video: Applications
- Video: Case Study
- Video: Ethical Issues Raised by SynBio-based Biofuels
- Video: Interview: Deborah Scott, PhD, JD (Part 1)
- Video: Interview: Deborah Scott, PhD, JD (Part 2)
- Reading: Additional Video Content
- Discussion Prompt: Week 3: What Surprised You?
- Reading: Week 4 Readings
- Discussion Prompt: Personal Experience - Week 4
- Video: Synbio in Human Health
- Video: Human Genetic Modification
- Video: Case Study: Artemisinin
- Video: Case Study: GM Mosquitos
- Video: Ethical Issues Raised by SynBio-based Medical Applications
- Video: Governance of SynBio-based Medical Applications
- Reading: Additional Video Content
- Discussion Prompt: Week 4: What Surprised You?
- Reading: Week 5 Readings
- Discussion Prompt: Personal Experience - Week 5
- Video: Governance & Engagement in SynBio
- Video: Governance Models
- Video: Public Engagement
- Video: Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters on Governance and Recombinant DNA
- Video: Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters on the Importance of Relationships to the Field of SynBio
- Video: Interview: Dr. Jane Calvert (Part 1)
- Video: Interview: Dr. Jane Calvert (Part 2)
- Reading: Additional Video Content
- Discussion Prompt: Week 5: Concluding Thoughts
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I really enjoyed taking this course. It was very interesting and informative for me. The course allowed me to get a deeper and more broad points of view about the topics of ethical issues related to synthetic biology and biotechnology. Thank you professor Debra Mathews and to all involved in this course!
fascinating course about genetics and disease. However, it's kind of a no-brainer to know that their unethical and ethical ways to use genetics. Lord knows some mad scientist is going to use this technology to create a new disease or some sort of Frankenstein to unleash upon the world.
fun and interesting course. very well taught by somebody obviously knowledgeable. Thanks so much.
I really enjoyed this course, excellent explanations and very good class material.