Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy
Explore synthetic biology's ethical challenges and governance issues, from recombinant DNA to modern applications in biofuels and human health.
Explore synthetic biology's ethical challenges and governance issues, from recombinant DNA to modern applications in biofuels and human health.
This comprehensive course examines the intersection of synthetic biology, ethics, and public policy. Students explore the evolution of the field from early recombinant DNA technology to contemporary applications, analyzing ethical challenges and governance frameworks. The curriculum covers key areas including gain-of-function research, biofuels development, and human health applications, while emphasizing the importance of responsible innovation and public engagement in scientific oversight.
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English
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What you'll learn
Understand the history and development of synthetic biology
Analyze ethical implications of synthetic biology applications
Evaluate governance models for emerging biotechnologies
Assess stakeholder interests in policy decisions
Develop frameworks for responsible innovation
Examine public engagement in scientific oversight
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
6 Hours PreRecorded video
2 assignments
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 6 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive examination of synthetic biology's ethical and policy implications. Starting with the history of recombinant DNA technology, students explore contemporary challenges in various applications including gain-of-function research, biofuels, and human health. The curriculum emphasizes understanding ethical considerations, stakeholder perspectives, and governance models while engaging with real-world case studies and expert interviews.
Welcome to Engineering Life: SynBio, Bioethics & Public Policy
Module 1 · 23 Minutes to complete
Recombinant DNA Technology: Science and History
Module 2 · 2 Hours to complete
GOF Research
Module 3 · 2 Hours to complete
Biofuels
Module 4 · 2 Hours to complete
Human Health
Module 5 · 2 Hours to complete
Governance
Module 6 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Instructor
Assistant Director for Science Programs
Debra JH Mathews, PhD, MA, is the Assistant Director for Science Programs at the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She also holds affiliate faculty status at the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine. With a PhD in genetics and a master’s in bioethics from Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Mathews completed a postdoctoral fellowship in genetics at Johns Hopkins and the Greenwall Fellowship in Bioethics and Health Policy. Her work spans the intersection of science, ethics, and public policy, focusing on emerging technologies such as genetics, stem cell science, and synthetic biology. She oversees key programs in ethics and policy related to biomedical research, including the Stem Cell Policy and Ethics program, and has contributed to the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues. Dr. Mathews also serves on the steering committee of the international Hinxton Group, exploring global ethics and policy challenges in stem cell science.
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