Biotechnology Impacts in Society (BTCH90010)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| 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;
- describe why without effective and proactive outreach by innovators, potential benefits from new biotechnologies are likely to be lost to society;
- identify factors that can drive active rejection of technologically viable innovations by diverse sectors of society;
- articulate why scientific evidence and argument by itself may be insufficient to overcome barriers to commercialisation of innovations such as GMOs; and
- demonstrate effective written communication.
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: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Essay
| Week 4 | 15% |
Essay
| Week 8 | 15% |
Essay
| Week 12 | 20% |
Written Examination
| During the examination period | 50% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Lara Grollo Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours comprising 3 one-hour lectures per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hrs
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 4 March 2025