Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy from Coursera

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.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Engineering Life: SynBio, Bioethics & Public Policy

Recombinant DNA Technology: Science and History

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.

GOF Research

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.

Biofuels

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.

Human Health

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.

Governance

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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores topics such as biofuels, human health, and governance, which align with the core issues considered in biotechnology and public policy

Taught by Debra JH Mathews, PhD, MA, a renowned expert in the field of synthetic biology and bioethics

Develops foundational knowledge on recombinant DNA technology and its ethical implications, providing a strong starting point for learners in synthetic biology

Provides opportunities for learners to engage in discussions and case studies, encouraging critical thinking and practical application of concepts

Focuses on ethical and policy issues, which are increasingly important considerations in the field of synthetic biology

Requires no prior knowledge or experience in synthetic biology, making it accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds

Reviews summary

Synbio, bioethics & public policy

According to students, Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy is a thought-provoking and well-structured course that provides a great overview of the ethical issues surrounding synthetic biology. Students say instructors are knowledgeable and engaging, and the course material is well-organized and relevant. However, some students have experienced technical difficulties and have found the grading to be unfair.

Knowledgeable and engaging

"If you are looking for a well-structured course, with consistent bibliographic references and a competent instructor..."

"Great topics to review bioethics from a bunch of perspectives."

"Very insightful course for young scientists and engineers to understand bioethics!"

Well-organized lectures and readings

"If you are looking for a well-structured course, with consistent bibliographic references..."

"It's an amazing course"

"Nice and well done course!!!"

Grading is unfair

"for some reason I was not getting any feedback on my week 1 quiz, and I tried the quiz so many times and i got the same 60 percent which was unbelievable since I prepared for the quiz, this has been throwing me off"

"correct marks are not being updated in quizzes"

Links are broken and videos don't work

"Quiz 1 is filled with trivia that's not in the lectures and unimportant to the material. All article links are broken and a few videos don't work"

"many tecchnical problems..."

"potentially fascinating but a total waste of money and time because of all of the technical difficulties"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy with these activities:

Gather resources on synthetic biology

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Strengthen your foundation in synthetic biology by organizing and reviewing key resources related to the course content.

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Create a collection of relevant articles, videos, and websites
Categorize the resources according to topic or theme
Review the materials periodically to refresh your understanding and identify areas for further research or exploration

Connect with professionals in synthetic biology

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Expand your knowledge and network by seeking guidance and insights from professionals in the field of synthetic biology.

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Identify professionals working in areas of synthetic biology that interest you
Reach out to potential mentors via email or LinkedIn
Request their guidance on your learning journey or career development
Schedule regular meetings or calls to gain their insights and advice

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Bioethicist

As a Bioethicist, your role is to explore, analyze, and provide guidance on ethical issues in the field of biology and biotechnology. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy will provide critical insight into the ethical issues surrounding the development and application of synthetic biology, equipping you with the necessary knowledge to navigate these complexities and make informed judgments.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

As an Environmental Policy Analyst, your responsibilities include analyzing environmental issues and developing policies to address them. The Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course from Johns Hopkins University can contribute to your success by providing a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and policy challenges posed by synthetic biology, empowering you to make informed recommendations for sustainable environmental practices.

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Research Scientist

Working as a Research Scientist involves conducting research and developing new technologies in various scientific fields. By taking Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course, you'll gain familiarity with the ethical considerations and governance issues surrounding synthetic biology, enhancing your ability to conduct responsible and impactful research.

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Science Writer

Science Writers are responsible for translating complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging content. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course can equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate the ethical and policy implications of synthetic biology to a broader audience, fostering public understanding and informed decision-making.

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Science Policy Analyst

Science Policy Analysts play a vital role in informing policy decisions related to scientific and technological advancements. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course can provide you with a solid foundation in the ethical and policy dimensions of synthetic biology, enabling you to contribute effectively to policymaking and shape the future of this emerging field.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers work at the intersection of engineering and medicine, developing innovative technologies for healthcare applications. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course would equip you with an understanding of the ethical and policy considerations surrounding synthetic biology, ensuring that your engineering designs align with responsible and ethical principles in healthcare.

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Science Communicator

As a Science Communicator, your focus is on bridging the gap between scientific research and the public. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course can help you develop the skills to effectively convey the ethical and societal implications of synthetic biology, fostering public engagement and informed decision-making on this rapidly evolving field.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts are responsible for analyzing and shaping policies related to healthcare systems and public health. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course may provide valuable insights into the ethical and policy challenges posed by synthetic biology in healthcare, enabling you to contribute effectively to policy development in this emerging area.

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Regulatory Affairs Specialist

As a Regulatory Affairs Specialist, your role is to ensure that products and technologies comply with regulatory requirements. By taking Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and policy frameworks surrounding synthetic biology, empowering you to navigate regulatory processes effectively and advocate for responsible innovation.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys specialize in the legal aspects of intellectual property, including patents for scientific inventions. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course can provide you with a foundation in the ethical and policy considerations related to synthetic biology, enabling you to effectively advise clients on patent protection and navigate the legal landscape of this emerging field.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to analyze biological data. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course may provide valuable insights into the ethical considerations in data analysis and interpretation, particularly in the context of synthetic biology research, equipping you to handle data responsibly and contribute to informed decision-making.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as manuals and reports. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course could prove beneficial by providing you with a deeper understanding of the ethical and policy implications of synthetic biology, allowing you to effectively communicate complex technical information in a responsible and accessible manner.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers educate students in various scientific disciplines. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course may be helpful as it provides insights into the ethical and policy dimensions of synthetic biology, enabling you to integrate these important considerations into your teaching and inspire students to think critically about the responsible development and application of this technology.

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Science Journalist

Science Journalists are responsible for reporting on scientific advancements and their implications for society. Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course could be useful by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and policy challenges surrounding synthetic biology, equipping you to accurately and responsibly inform the public about this rapidly evolving field.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice and solutions on environmental issues to various organizations. While not directly related to synthetic biology, Johns Hopkins University's Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy course may provide valuable insights into the ethical and policy considerations related to biotechnology and its potential environmental implications, broadening your knowledge base and enhancing your ability to address sustainability challenges effectively.

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