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: Will scientists be able to make me a personalised medicine?; Are we able to cure genetic diseases?

Learning objectives:

• 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:

Reproduction;

• Stem cell research and therapies as possible treatments for disease such as Parkinson's disease
• Ethical implications of reproductive research