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Genetically Modified Organisms (BTCH90010)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject involves case studies of biotechnology innovations that are hindered by a barrier of significant public distrust, the prime example being genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Newer biotechnologies such as precision gene editing may face analogous barriers. This subject explores (i) the scientific context of such controversial innovations, (ii) social implications that may restrict them from making a beneficial contribution to society, and (iii) strategies needed for successful deployment.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject students should be able to:
- articulate an evidence based scientific assessment of the context, risks, and potential benefits of selected biotechnology innovations;
- appreciate that without effective and pro-active outreach by innovators, potential benefits from new biotechnologies are likely to be lost to society;
- anticipate factors that can drive active rejection of technologically viable innovations by diverse sectors of society;
- have developed an understanding of why scientific evidence and argument by itself may be insufficient to overcome barriers to commercialisation of innovations such as GMOs.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject students should gain:
- experience in examining critically, synthesising and evaluating knowledge across a range of disciplines;
- expanded analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences relating to public policy and technological risk assessment; and
- knowledge to be active global citizens and accept social and civic responsibilities, and be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment based on comprehensive and open-minded consideration of evidence.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Essay
| Week 4 | 15% |
Essay
| Week 8 | 15% |
Essay
| Week 12 | 20% |
End of semester exam
| During the examination period | 50% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator David Tribe Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours comprising 3 one-hour lectures per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hrs
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
None (selected reading from the literature and general media will be provided during the course).
- Subject notes
Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Biotechnology - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022