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: Is genetically modified food safe to eat?; Do genetically modified organisms harm the environment?

Learning objectives:

• Plants can be modified to be resistant to herbicides and/or pests and this has environmental implications

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:

Plant Modification;

• Weed control to reduce loss of food supplies by genetically modifying crops to ensure they are resistant to herbicides
• The ethics of genetic modification particularly its use in developing countries