HRT 486: Biotechnology in Agriculture: Applications and Ethical Issues

Course Code: HRT 486

Credits and Offerings

3 credits
Fall semester of even years (Tu, Th)

Course Description

This course explores the current uses and emerging applications of biotechnology and synthetic biology in agriculture and critically addresses related scientific, policy and ethical issues. The course will cover scientific basis for the technologies, specific applications, and associated health, environmental, social, and ethical concerns. The course is co-taught by professors specializing in plant biotechnology and agricultural ethics but also includes guest lectures and case studies from professors on specialized topics related to animal biotechnology and breeding, animal welfare, cell-cultured meat, biofuels and the deployment of biotech crops in developing countries. Students completing this course will develop increased knowledge related to biotechnology and its applications in agriculture. Students will be able to apply this knowledge to ask questions and evaluate concerns relevant to current and future uses of biotechnology in plant and animal agriculture.

Course Learning Objectives

Understand the scientific basis for genetic engineering and applications in agriculture
Become familiar with various applications of genetic engineering in agriculture – their purposes, uses and impacts
Examine environmental, health, social and ethical concerns and controversies associated with the use of genetically engineered products in agriculture
Critically evaluate information and logic underlying opposing points of view
Improve ability to express and justify viewpoints on controversial topics orally and in writing