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Course Offerings

Course Details

Spring 2010-2011
ENV 360 / MOL 260  

Biotech Plants and Animals: Frankenfood or Important Innovations?

Xenia K. Morin

Biotechnology has given us the tools to manipulate both domestic plants and animals. Biotechnology may provide the means to allow crops to more rapidly adapt to changing health and environmental circumstances--including changes due to climate change--and to allow livestock to reduce their environmental impact. Case studies, and discussions with experts, will be used to evaluate these plants and animals created using biotechnology and advanced plant breeding techniques. We will also discuss the case against bioengineered foods and explore concerns over ethics, and adequate testing for their impact on human health and on the environment.

Sample reading list:
Primary and Secondary literature from Course Packet,
See instructor for complete list

Reading/Writing assignments:
Students will be reading the primary and secondary literature for each case study. Students will give a presentation on some of the case studies during the semester and will present a final project to the class. A mid-term paper will be given in lieu of an exam.

Requirements/Grading:
Paper in Lieu of Mid Term - 25%
Paper in lieu of Final - 30%
Oral Presentation(s) - 20%
Class/Precept Participation - 25%

Other Requirements:
Open to Juniors and Seniors Only.

Prerequisites and Restrictions:
MOL and CHM intro courses recommended..

Schedule/Classroom assignment:

Class numberSectionTimeDaysRoomEnrollmentStatus
43392 S01 1:30 pm - 4:20 pm T   Lewis Library   117   Enrolled:11 Limit:18