Law and Biosciences: Genetics

This seminar will focus on ethical, legal, and social issues arising from advances in our knowledge of human genetics. These will drawn from topics such as forensic uses of genetics, genetic testing, widespread whole genome sequencing, genome editing, genome synthesis, the consequences of genetics for human reproduction, and the ethics of genomic biobanks for research, among other things. Students are required to write a research paper for this course. Special Instructions: The class is open to all law students and graduate or professional students from other parts of the University. A few undergraduates may be admitted with consent of the instructor. Substantial class attendance is required; in addition, the quality of class participation will play a small role in grading. Students will be required to submit an independent research paper. Students can take the course for either 2 or 3 units, depending on paper length. Elements used in grading: Class participation, attendance and final paper. Cross-listed with Health Research & Policy (HRP 221).