| 27807 Biotechnology: Business and Ethics |
| Danish title: Bioetik |
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Language: English ECTS-creditpoints: 2,5
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| Type: course at phd level |
| Program: Chemical Engineering |
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Class schedule:
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1 week in October 2002. |
| Scope and form: Lectures, seminars, discussion and debate. |
| Examination: Pass/fail |
| Aim: : The aim of the course is to give the students an introduction to the fundamental concepts of ethical decision-making in the development of biotechnology businesses. The roles of business developers, lawmakers, ethicists and the public will be investigated with respect to making ethical decisions. Students should obtain an understanding of the important factors in evaluating conflict-of-interest situations, and how such conflicts may be prevented or resolved. A central aspect of the course will be to analyse the role of the public in defining how the scientific research, that businesses are built on, is conducted. This will involve investigation of the role of the media in determining public awareness and public perception on ethical issues. |
| Contents: : During the course we will study biotech start-ups in detail using the example of a number of hypothetical companies to explore the issues of business and ethics which must be considered in business development. The course material will comprise lectures (including talks from ethicists, business developers and law makers), exploration of business and ethical themes using case studies, discussion groups and a debate forum. Participants will be encouraged to explore the conflicts of interest between business and ethics and will investigate how these conflicts may be resolved. Ethical lapses can threaten the reliability of scientific information and the public confidence in science. Therefore, one of the main focus areas during the course will be public perception and confidence in biotechnology research. The role of the media in determining public perception will also be discussed as well as methods to gauge and influence public awareness in the biotechnological sciences. Core elements will be dealt with in lectures and seminars. Much of the material will be presented in the form of case studies that will be discussed in small groups, or in short written exercises. Students will be required to apply the concepts taught in the course in a debate forum, presenting and discussing one side of a case with a bioethics theme. |
| Contact: Mhairi Mcintyre, building 223, (+45) 4525 2684, mhairi.mcintyre@biocentrum.dtu.dk |
| Department: 027 BioCentrum-DTU |
| Keywords: bioethics, biotech start-up, ethical decision making, conflicts of interest, public awareness |
| Signup: Hos lfreren/At the teacher |
| Updated: 24-04-2002 |
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