Course - Biotechnology and Ethics - FI3107
FI3107 - Biotechnology and Ethics
About
Examination arrangement
Examination arrangement: Assignment
Grade: Letter grades
| Evaluation | Weighting | Duration | Grade deviation | Examination aids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | 100/100 |
Course content
In this course, we analyse and discuss ethical challenges in the use of biotechnology - in a broad sense - on humans, plants and animals: What should we strive for, and what should we steer clear of? What kind of use is okay, or not okay? What should be allowed, and what should be banned? A key theme is how we as individuals and societies assess and relate wisely to the possibilities of biotechnology. What moral ideals and obligations apply to the relationship between humans, animals, and nature in general? In what ways does biotechnology contribute or undermine our ability to realize the good life, and the good society?
The course provides an introduction to ethical approaches and positions, historical examples and development lines, and current public and academic debates. The course will provide students with skills to perform bioethical analyzes of issues in fields such as gene editing, assisted reproduction, genetic testing, animal experiments, fetal diagnostics, euthanasia, and genetic improvement. These skills are practiced through discussions in groups and in plenary, and through the supervision of an individual semester essay with a self-chosen problem.
Learning outcome
According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge, skills and general competence):
Knowledge:
- knowledge of historical debates about the development, application and legal regulation of biotechnology.
- overview of relevant and central ethical and political perspectives, arguments and positions in public debate and academic literature.
- knowledge of current and controversial uses of biotechnology, and current legal regulation.
Skills:
- ability to analyse bioethical issues using basic ethical concepts and general ethical perspectives.
- ability to familiarize oneself with different views on bioethical issues, and to be able to discuss these orally.
- ability to formulate a normative bioethical problem, and to discuss in writing how the problem can and should be handled in a structured, balanced, independent and argumentative way.
General competence:
- ability to read bioethical literature in an analytical and critical way.
- ability to apply ethical, legal and political development lines to analyse historical and contemporary bioethical issues and positions
- overview of current bioethical issues, and ability to see similarities and differences between these issues.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures, group- and plenary discussions, oral presentations and written assignments.
In order to sit the exam the following is required: up to two individual assignments and 80% attendance.
Compulsory assignments
- 80 % attendance
- Up to two approved individual activities
Further on evaluation
Individual semester essay. The following requirements apply to the essay:
Essay topic must be approved by the lecturers. The essay should be 4000-5000 words, plus reference list. The essay must be based on a self-chosen syllabus (150-200 pages), in addition to text(s) from the compulsory syllabus (300 pages). The essay must be argumentative. The essay can be written in Norwegian or English.
Required previous knowledge
None.
Course materials
The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.
No
Version: 1
Credits:
7.5 SP
Study level: Second degree level
Term no.: 1
Teaching semester: AUTUMN 2024
Language of instruction: Norwegian
Location: Trondheim
- Ethics
- Philosophy
Department with academic responsibility
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Examination
Examination arrangement: Assignment
- Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
-
Autumn
ORD
Assignment
100/100
Release
2024-11-01Submission
2024-11-22
09:00
INSPERA
14:00 -
Room Building Number of candidates -
Spring
ORD
Assignment
100/100
Release
2025-04-01Submission
2025-05-21
09:00
INSPERA
14:00 -
Room Building Number of candidates
- * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"