Unit B3: Topic 1 - Biotechnology

As with all new developments, advances in biotechnology raises new ethical questions which will be considered in this topic.

Guidance for students: Are we able to cure genetic diseases?; Should you be allowed to choose the sex of your baby?

Glossary: Biotechnology, ethics, genetic engineering, genetic modification stem cells.

Learning outcomes: Students will be assessed on their ability to;

• Consider ethical, contemporary and social issues.

At the end of this unit students will be able to describe and explain the following statements and carry out tasks indicated:

Reproduction;

• Allowing people to choose the sex of their baby may skew the sex balance of the population and may lead to other choices being permitted - including colour of eyes.
• Ethical implications of reproductive research.