Handbook

This subject explores the social, cultural and policy dimensions of genetics and biotechnology. It is aimed at a multidisciplinary cohort: humanities, natural science, social science and other students are welcome. They will be encouraged to reflect critically on the role of science and technology in contemporary societies and learn from past examples where technical developments went against societal needs, were rejected or were embraced with unanticipated consequences. There is a focus on learning about diverse ways of knowing, on enabling appropriate trust between biotech/genetics and society, and on what responsible research and innovation for the benefit of society might look like. Case studies may include: genetic testing and manipulation, stem cell and embryo research, genetic databases, agricultural biotechnology, or AI and nanotechnology in medicine.