Throughout the module, candidates are introduced to genetic technologies that open up new possibilities for individuals and society. In doing so, they present significant ethical issues for citizens. Candidates explore some of the ideas people use to make ethical decisions. This enables them to engage with issues which regularly appear in the media, such as genetic testing, gene therapy and cloning research.

Issues covered in this module may be very sensitive for candidates.

Issues for Citizens: Can we change our genes, and should this be allowed?

Questions which Science may help to answer: How can we use our knowledge of genes to prevent disease?

Module B1.3: How and can genetic information be used? How can we use our knowledge of genes to prevent disease?

10. Understand that gene therapy may make it possible to treat certain genetic diseases;

11. In the context of genetic testing (when provided with additional information about the reliability and risks of genetic tests) or gene therapy be able to:

• distinguish questions which could be addressed using scientific approach, from questions which could not;
• say clearly what the issue is;
• summarise different views that may be held;
• identify, and develop, arguments based on the ideas that: the right decision is the one which leads to the best outcome for the majority of people involved; certain actions are never justified because they are unnatural or wrong;