2016-2017 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2016-2017 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

BIOL 144 - Bioethics: stem cells, embryos and reproduction


One of the critical challenges in modern science is our ability to shape human development.  This has brought embryology into the public domain.  Based on our current scientific understanding of the development of the embryo we now have the ability to plan the sex of our children, test for the presence of certain genes and abort those embryos that do not meet certain genetic criteria and clone human cell nuclei to produce stem cells identical to patients who might need them.  The questions we now face are: Even if we can do these things, should we do them?  Under what conditions should such procedures be allowed or forbidden?  Do we wish to support the research that will make such procedures possible?  Using a primarily discussion-based format we will explore the science surrounding these recent technological advances in embryological sciences and address some of the key associated societal and ethical concerns.

Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) Designation: VP

Anticipated Terms Offered: Fall