Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/synbioethics

Introduction

**Course Review: Engineering Life: SynBio, Bioethics & Public Policy on Coursera** In the ever-evolving landscape of biotechnology, synthetic biology (synbio) stands at the forefront, presenting both innovation and ethical challenges. Coursera’s course, "Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy," provides an in-depth exploration of these issues, making it a must-take for anyone interested in the intersection of science, ethics, and public policy. ### Course Overview The course aims to heighten awareness and comprehension of the ethical and governance challenges that inherently accompany synthetic biology. Beginning with the foundational history of recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, it traces the evolution of governance surrounding scientific practices up to contemporary synbio applications. Each week focuses on a specific topic related to synthetic biology, navigating through a combination of lectures, readings, external videos, and insightful interviews with experts in the field. ### Syllabus Breakdown #### Week 1: Recombinant DNA Technology: Science and History The course opens with a historical analysis of rDNA technology, delving into the ethical implications that arose during its inception in the 1970s. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the current landscape of synbio. With interviews featuring pioneers like LeRoy Walters, learners gain firsthand insight into the ethical debates that shaped current biosynthetic governance. #### Week 2: Gain of Function (GOF) Research The second week tackles the complexities of gain of function research, which is pivotal in discussions around biosecurity and dual-use concerns. Through lectures and peer-assessed projects, students are encouraged to engage critically with the ethical responsibilities that come with conducting such research. #### Week 3: Biofuels This week presents the ethical dilemmas associated with biofuel production, including resource allocation and environmental impacts. An interview with Deborah Scott provides real-world insights into biofuel governance, enhancing the course's practical relevance. #### Week 4: Human Health Focusing on synthetic biology’s applications in human health, this segment emphasizes the ethics of human subjects research. Students will expand upon their previous work, identifying key stakeholders and ethical responsibilities tied to policy decisions affecting human health. #### Week 5: Governance As the course culminates, participants explore models of governance for emerging biotechnologies, emphasizing the necessity of public engagement. The final project synthesizes lessons from previous weeks, challenging learners to craft a decision-making process for governing the release of genetically modified organisms, such as mosquitoes. ### Personal Experience and Recommendations Having completed "Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy," I can confidently recommend this course to anyone passionate about the future of biotechnology and its societal implications. The blend of historical background, ethical analysis, and practical case studies fosters a holistic understanding of the current landscape in synthetic biology. The peer-assessed projects were particularly engaging, encouraging collaboration and deeper reflection on complex topics. The interviews with experts add an invaluable layer of practicality, connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world scenarios. ### Conclusion "Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy" is essential for students, professionals in the biotech industry, policymakers, and anyone interested in the ethical dimensions of scientific advancement. By illuminating the intersections of synthetic biology, ethics, and governance, this course not only enhances your understanding but also empowers you to navigate these critical issues in your career or academic pursuits. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge content that is both intellectually stimulating and relevant to tomorrow’s challenges. Enroll today and take the first step toward becoming an informed advocate in the field of synthetic biology.

Syllabus

Welcome to Engineering Life: SynBio, Bioethics & Public Policy

We start the course by learning a bit about the history and context of the development of recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology in the 1970s, the ethics and policy issues raised by that science, and how those issues remain with us today in synthetic biology. The work of the week includes lecture videos, readings, and an interview with LeRoy Walters, who was involved in the discussions and debates about rDNA in its early years. The week will conclude with a quiz.

In Week 2 we will learn about and discuss gain of function (GOF) research and the dual-use concerns raised by synthetic biology. The work of the week includes lecture videos, a number of outside videos, and readings. The assessment this week will be your first peer-assessed project, and will focus on identifying ethical duties related to GOF research policy.

This week, we’ll learn about biofuels, the complex task of balancing the many ethical issues they raise, and the role of synthetic biology in biofuels development. The work of the week includes lecture videos, one outside video, readings, and an interview with Deborah Scott about biofuels governance. The week will conclude with a quiz.

This week we will learn a bit about applications of synthetic biology to human health, and the ethics of human subjects research. The work of the week includes lecture videos, one outside video, and readings. The assessment this week will be your second peer-assessed project, and will build on your first project, from Week 2. This project will focus on identifying stakeholders in a policy decision, their interests in the decision, and the related ethical duties of the decision-maker.

In the final week of the course, we will talk about both models of governance for emerging biotechnologies and the role of public engagement in the development and oversight of the science. The work of the week includes lecture videos, one outside video, and readings, as well as interviews with LeRoy Walters and Jane Calvert. The final course project builds on the Week 2 and 4 peer-assessed projects, and goes a step further, asking you to develop and defend a decision-making process for a government policy related to the release of genetically modified mosquitoes.