Web Site: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/plantranslab/HCS597/issues.htm or through Carmen

Class TA: Marcelo Poneranz, marcelopomeranz@gmail.com

Issues in Biotechnology is a GEC capstone course.

   Capstone courses are designed to be thematic upper-division courses, which draw upon multiple disciplines and enrich the student’s experiences of the contemporary world.

Learning Objectives for the Capstone Experience:

1) Students synthesize and apply knowledge from diverse disciplines to contemporary issues

2) Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between information derived from different disciplines by interacting with students from different majors.

3) Students write about or conduct research on the contemporary world.

Course Objectives       

            With the increase in our understanding of cloning, genomics and genome manipulation, we now have the ability to copy, analyze and make permanent genetic changes to many organisms, which was not previously possible. The tools of genomics can alter the vigor and productivity of organisms, allow production of high value products in nontraditional production organism, raise or lower the susceptibility of a host to pathogens and pests, and modify the virulence of a pathogen. Biotechnology also allows us to rapidly screen and evaluate organisms for numerous traits, before those traits or qualities become apparent. As we learn more about the association of genes with certain characteristics, we will be able to fight genetic diseases and make corrections in those individuals who are predisposed to other health and medical problems. We will also have the technology to identify the certain characteristics of many organisms through genetics, including humans. The impact of this knowledge on our environment and our future is unknown.

             For this class, students will learn how DNA is modified and reintroduced into different organisms and how gene expression can be manipulated using gene transfer technology. They will explore the many potential applications of genome manipulation and form their own opinion of the benefits, detriments and limitations of biotechnology. Students will examine US Federal and world policy on use of recombinant DNA methodology and products as well as cloning, and attempt to understand public perception. Students will consider the environmental consequences, as well as the ethical and social issues of using biotechnology.

Grading: Final grades will be determined from reviews of biotechnology-based popular press articles, written comments, performance on case studies, presentations to the class and a final examination. Assignments are due at the end of the class period. Late assignments will be accepted, with 20% loss in total points for each class period late.

Bi-weekly popular press review (100 points)
Approximately every two weeks, each student will read and review a biotechnology-based popular press article. The student will provide the article, a key scientific article that was used as a reference, and their own 2 page review. Over the quarter, 4 reviews (25 pts each) will be submitted.

Individual presentation (50 points)
In the second half of quarter, individuals will give a 10-12 minute presentation to the remainder of the class, on the content with background information of a popular press article as described in the bi-weekly popular press review above. The presentation will utilize one of the 4 articles.

Question of the day (75 points)
Either at the midway point or end of each lecture, students will be asked to turn in a sheet of paper with the answer to the Question of the Day (QOTD). The QOTD will be used as a assessment tool to survey student understanding of lecture material on a day to day basis. An example of a question of the day is, “Do you have concerns about human reproductive cloning? Why or why not?” Students will complete the written comments in 5 minutes (5 points each).

Cases (100 points)
Four different cases will be provided to the class. Working in groups, students will read the cases and provide their assessment as a written summary. Each case is 25 pts.

Final Examination (50 points)
There will be final examination, which will include multiple-choice questions, based on student presentations, given during the last few class periods. There is no mid-term examination.

Grade Determination – (percentage)

94-100 = A
90-93 = A-
87-89 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B-
77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 = C-
67-69 = D+
60-66 = D
0-59 = E