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Debra JH Mathews, PhD, MA
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ezq4s2/engineering
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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.
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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.
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Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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Reviews summary
Synbio, bioethics & policy intersections
According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of synthetic biology, bioethics, and public policy. Students particularly praise the rich and varied content, which includes lectures, readings, and interviews with experts in the field. The course structure, covering topics like GOF research, biofuels, and human health, is seen as well-organized and highly relevant to current issues. While some learners found the final project challenging, the overall sentiment indicates a largely positive experience, providing a strong foundation for understanding complex ethical and governance issues in synthetic biology.
Provides a solid base in core concepts.
"This course gave me a really solid foundation in the bioethics and policy surrounding synthetic biology."
"I feel much more informed about the governance of emerging biotechnologies after taking this."
"It helped me understand the historical context and ongoing challenges in the field."
Well-structured modules build understanding.
"The course flowed logically from the history of rDNA to modern applications and governance."
"I felt the structure helped me build my understanding week by week."
"The way topics were organized made complex ideas easier to grasp."
Features valuable interviews with field experts.
"The interviews with scientists and policy makers were a highlight, offering real-world context."
"I found the insights from the experts interviewed throughout the modules very beneficial."
"Hearing directly from people involved in the early days of rDNA and current policy debates was fantastic."
Focuses on important, current issues in synbio.
"The topics covered, like GOF research and biofuels, felt incredibly relevant to today's world."
"I learned so much about the ethical challenges of synbio that are being discussed right now."
"This course provided a much-needed dive into the policy issues surrounding synthetic biology applications like human health."
Provides diverse materials: lectures, readings, interviews.
"The course material was very rich, incorporating lectures, interviews, and readings that gave a comprehensive overview."
"I really appreciated the mix of content types; the interviews with experts were particularly insightful."
"This course had such a great variety of materials, it kept the learning engaging and covered different perspectives."
The final project requires significant effort.
"The final project on developing governance models was quite demanding but rewarding."
"I found the final project to be the most challenging part of the course."
"Developing and defending a policy decision process for the final project required substantial work."
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
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in synthetic biology by organizing and reviewing key resources related to the course content.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Expand your knowledge and network by seeking guidance and insights from professionals in the field of synthetic biology.
Show steps
-
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
Gather resources on synthetic biology
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in synthetic biology by organizing and reviewing key resources related to the course content.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Expand your knowledge and network by seeking guidance and insights from professionals in the field of synthetic biology.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
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.
Environmental Policy Analyst
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.
Research Scientist
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.
Science Writer
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.
Science Policy Analyst
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.
Biomedical Engineer
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.
Science Communicator
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.
Health Policy Analyst
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.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
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.
Patent Attorney
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.
Biostatistician
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.
Technical Writer
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.
Science Teacher
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.
Science Journalist
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.
Environmental Consultant
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ezq4s2/engineering
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Engineering Life: Synbio, Bioethics & Public Policy.
Gives a great overview of the field of synthetic biology, including the foundational science and technologies, as well as their applications in bioengineering, medicine, and energy.
Examines ethical issues in emerging technologies, including synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology.
Practical guide to designing and building synthetic biological systems, which could be useful to learners who want to apply the concepts covered in the course.
Save
Provides a thorough overview of the ethical issues raised by biotechnology, including gene editing and synthetic biology.
Save
Explores ethical issues in human biology and genetics, including principles, theories, and case studies.
Save
Provides a very accessible overview of the foundational science and technologies used in synthetic biology.
Provides a very accessible overview of the field of synthetic biology, which is suitable for learners with little to no background in the subject.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ezq4s2/engineering
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Effort
6 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructor
Debra JH Mathews, PhD, MA
Language
English
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