The Science and Politics of the GMO from edX

What exactly are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and why do scientists develop them? Studying the science of GMOs helps us understand biotechnology’s potential role in addressing challenges in agriculture.

In this introductory Food and Nutrition course, you will learn the basics of genetic engineering, explore the political debate around the GMO and review the arguments for and against their use.

We will study the politics surrounding the GMO and its impact at both an individual level and to society as a whole; including the problems, perceptions, benefits, and risks associated with GMOs. Important to understanding the complexities around this topic we will not only be looking at the science behind how the GMO works, but also to the limitations of this science. We will also discuss the importance of information literacy as a tool for effectively identifying and evaluating issues.

Our goal is that this MOOC will impact people's understanding of science, what it can and can't do, and how information is transmitted. The intent is not to influence how people feel about GMOs, but to give them the critical thinking and scientific literacy tools necessary to make informed decisions — and to understand the broader impacts of those decisions.

What you'll learn

Assess, understand and apply social science concepts as they affect the development and use of biotechnology products and processes
Gain an understanding of how biotechnology intersects with globalization, trade, poverty, food security, and environmental sustainability
Understand and evaluate research articles and research methods related to biotech crops
Learn to formulate well-structured research questions, recognize appropriate research methods, and assess research reports
Craft thoughtful and effective arguments, with supporting evidence at the intersection of science and social science on issues of public policy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Assess, understand and apply social science concepts as they affect the development and use of biotechnology products and processes
Gain an understanding of how biotechnology intersects with globalization, trade, poverty, food security, and environmental sustainability
Understand and evaluate research articles and research methods related to biotech crops

Learn to formulate well-structured research questions, recognize appropriate research methods, and assess research reports
Craft thoughtful and effective arguments, with supporting evidence at the intersection of science and social science on issues of public policy

Assess, understand and apply social science concepts as they affect the development and use of biotechnology products and processes
Gain an understanding of how biotechnology intersects with globalization, trade, poverty, food security, and environmental sustainability
Understand and evaluate research articles and research methods related to biotech crops
Learn to formulate well-structured research questions, recognize appropriate research methods, and assess research reports
Craft thoughtful and effective arguments, with supporting evidence at the intersection of science and social science on issues of public policy

Syllabus

Week 1 - Introduction/Why GMOs

Week 2 - Why not GMOs

Week 3 - Contributions and Limits of Science

Week 4 - Politics and Society

Week 5 - GMOs and You

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches ethical and social implications of GMOs, developing learners' abilities to make informed decisions

Covers political, economic, and environmental aspects of GMOs, providing a comprehensive understanding of their impact

Taught by reputable instructors, leveraging their expertise in genetic engineering and food science

Facilitates critical thinking and scientific literacy, empowering learners to evaluate GMO-related information and arguments

Emphasizes information literacy, highlighting the importance of identifying and evaluating credible sources

Provides a balanced perspective, examining both the benefits and concerns surrounding GMOs

Reviews summary

Informative gmo overview

learners say this course provides a dispassionate overview of GMOs and is excellent for understanding the misinformation surrounding them.

Provides an impartial overview of GMOs.

"I found it very interesting and informative."

"I wanted to hear the facts from informed sources."

"The course delivered in spades!"

Career center

Learners who complete The Science and Politics of the GMO will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including science. They work in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, and colleges and universities. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the science and politics surrounding GMOs, as well as the skills they need to teach this topic to students.

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Science Policy Analyst

Science Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that relate to science and technology. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the science and politics surrounding GMOs, as well as the skills they need to develop and analyze science policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Policy Analyst

Science Communicator

Science Communicators translate complex scientific information into language that is easy to understand by non-scientists. They work in a variety of settings, including museums, science centers, and media outlets. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the science and politics surrounding GMOs, as well as the skills they need to communicate this information to the public.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the general public. They work for a variety of outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the science and politics surrounding GMOs, as well as the skills they need to write about this topic in an engaging and informative way.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for a variety of products and services, including software, hardware, and medical devices. They work in a variety of settings, including technology companies, manufacturing companies, and government agencies. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the science and politics surrounding GMOs, as well as the skills they need to write about this topic in a clear and concise way.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help clients obtain patents for their inventions. They work in a variety of settings, including law firms, corporations, and government agencies. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the science and politics surrounding GMOs, as well as the skills they need to draft and prosecute patent applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of their organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the sustainability implications of GMOs.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and marketing of new products. They work in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and technology. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the science and politics surrounding GMOs, as well as the skills they need to develop and market new GMO products.

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Food Scientist

Food Scientists develop and test new food products, ensuring that they are safe and nutritious. They also work to improve the quality and shelf life of food products. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the science behind GMOs and the political debate surrounding them.

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Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Specialists ensure that their organizations are in compliance with all applicable regulations. They work in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and medical device. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the regulatory landscape surrounding GMOs.

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Health Educator

Health Educators teach people about health and how to live healthy lives. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centers. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the science and politics surrounding GMOs, as well as the skills they need to teach this topic to the public.

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Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on human health and the environment. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and industry. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the toxicology of GMOs.

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Risk Assessor

Risk Assessors identify and evaluate risks that may arise from a variety of activities, including the introduction of new technologies. They play a vital role in ensuring that new technologies are safe for human health and the environment. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be may be helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the risks and benefits of GMOs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Assessor

Environmental Analyst

Environmental Analysts study the impact that human activity has on the environment. They collect data, perform research, and make recommendations to help protect the environment. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be very helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the environmental implications of GMOs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Analyst

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues, and make recommendations to policymakers. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. The Science and Politics of GMOs will be may be helpful for people in this field, as it will give them a better understanding of the science and politics surrounding GMOs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

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The Science and Politics of the GMO

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Informative gmo overview

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