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
• Stem cell research must consider many ethical questions, including the definition of 'Life'. Organisms can be genetically modified to produce substances, including medicines that are of direct use to human health

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