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Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 14 hours
  • Course by Johns Hopkins University
  • Offered by

About

Synbio is a diverse field with diverse applications, and the different contexts (e.g., gain-of-function research, biofuels) raise different ethical and governance challenges. The objective of this course is to increase learners’ awareness and understanding of ethical and policy/governance issues that arise in the design, conduct and application of synthetic biology. The course will begin with a short history of recombinant DNA technology and how governance of that science developed and evolved, and progress through a series of areas of application of synbio. Content will be presented in many forms, including not only reading and lectures, but also recorded and live interviews and discussions with scientists, ethicists and policy makers. Learners will have the opportunity to think, write and talk about the issues and challenges in their own work and in real-life case examples. A final project will engage students in the development of governance models for synbio.

Modules

Welcome to the Course!

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Personal Experience - Week 1

1 Videos

  • Course Introduction

1 Readings

  • Syllabus: Engineering Life

rDNA Science and History

    • 8 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Week 1 Quiz

1 Discussions

  • Week 1: What Surprised You?

8 Videos

  • Week 1 Introduction
  • A Brief History of rDNA
  • A Brief History of Asilomar & the RAC
  • Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters (Part 1)
  • Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters (Part 2)
  • Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters (Part 3)
  • Relevant Contemporary Policy Context
  • The Emergence of SynBio

1 Readings

  • Week 1 Readings

GOF Research and Dual-Use

    • 6 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 PeerReview
Show info about module content

1 Peer Review

  • Identifying Ethical Issues

2 Discussions

  • Personal Experience - Week 2
  • Week 2: What Surprised You?

6 Videos

  • Week 2 Introduction
  • Gain of Function Research
  • Dual Use Research
  • GOF Research Case Study: H5N1
  • Ethical Issues Raised by GOF Research
  • Governance and GOF Research

2 Readings

  • Week 2 Readings
  • Additional Video Content

Biofuels

    • 7 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Week 3 Quiz

2 Discussions

  • Personal Experience - Week 3
  • Week 3: What Surprised You?

7 Videos

  • Week 3 Introduction
  • Biofuels
  • Applications
  • Case Study
  • Ethical Issues Raised by SynBio-based Biofuels
  • Interview: Deborah Scott, PhD, JD (Part 1)
  • Interview: Deborah Scott, PhD, JD (Part 2)

2 Readings

  • Week 3 Readings
  • Additional Video Content

Human Health

    • 7 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 PeerReview
Show info about module content

1 Peer Review

  • Stakeholder Analysis

2 Discussions

  • Personal Experience - Week 4
  • Week 4: What Surprised You?

7 Videos

  • Week 4 Introduction
  • Synbio in Human Health
  • Human Genetic Modification
  • Case Study: Artemisinin
  • Case Study: GM Mosquitos
  • Ethical Issues Raised by SynBio-based Medical Applications
  • Governance of SynBio-based Medical Applications

2 Readings

  • Week 4 Readings
  • Additional Video Content

Governance of Synthetic Biology

    • 8 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 PeerReview
Show info about module content

1 Peer Review

  • Final Project

2 Discussions

  • Personal Experience - Week 5
  • Week 5: Concluding Thoughts

8 Videos

  • Week 5 Introduction
  • Governance & Engagement in SynBio
  • Governance Models
  • Public Engagement
  • Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters on Governance and Recombinant DNA
  • Interview: Dr. LeRoy Walters on the Importance of Relationships to the Field of SynBio
  • Interview: Dr. Jane Calvert (Part 1)
  • Interview: Dr. Jane Calvert (Part 2)

2 Readings

  • Week 5 Readings
  • Additional Video Content

Auto Summary

Unlock the complexities of synthetic biology and its ethical implications with the "Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy" course. This comprehensive program, offered under the Health & Fitness domain, is designed to enhance your understanding of the ethical and governance issues inherent in synthetic biology. Led by experts from Coursera, the course delves into the historical evolution of recombinant DNA technology and its regulatory landscape, progressing through various applications of synthetic biology. Engaging content, including readings, lectures, and interactive interviews with leading scientists, ethicists, and policymakers, provides a multi-faceted learning experience. Over a duration of 840 minutes, professional-level learners will explore real-life case studies, participate in discussions, and develop practical governance models for synthetic biology. The course culminates in a final project, ensuring a hands-on approach to mastering the subject matter. Ideal for professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge in synthetic biology, bioethics, and public policy, this course is available with a Starter subscription on Coursera. Join now and be at the forefront of ethical synbio innovation.

Debra JH Mathews, PhD, MA
Instructor

Debra JH Mathews, PhD, MA