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Genes and Society - GENS6014
The Quad

 
Faculty: Faculty of Science
 
 
School:  School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science
 
 
Course Outline: http://www.babs.unsw.edu.au
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 3
 
 
EFTSL: 0.06250 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 2
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
None
 
 
Excluded: GENB1004
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 
Available for General Education: Yes (more info)
 
 

Description

This course provides an introduction to the molecular studies of genes in humans as they relate to health, ill-health and behaviour as well as an overview of the scope and direction of gene manipulation and the Human Genome Project, together with their supporting technologies. The consequences of all this are the ethical and moral dilemmas, and challenges that society has to deal with, these including the confidentiality of genetic tests, use of such tests in the workforce and the insurance industry, DNA database for criminal investigation, the justification of a genetic defect for terminating a pregnancy, the patenting of our genes, improving the human gene pool, gene therapy, designer babies, cloning humans (?), who makes the decisions, etc.

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© The University of New South Wales, 2004-2009. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.