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From 2011.igem.org

iGEM Outreach 2.0

http://openwetware.org/wiki/IGEM_Outreach

Cornell Outreach

ENGRG 1050 Presentation

ENGRG 1050 is a freshmen level engineering class that introduces Cornell freshmen to a variety of topics that interests them. Our seminar on the Ethics of Synthetic Biology teaches beginning engineering students about the ethical issues surrounding current techniques and applications of synthetic biology. Students are encouraged to debate over current controversial technologies such as utilizing cows to produce milk with human enzymes and pharmaceutical companies patenting cancer screening techniques. Students learn about different aspects of ethical analysis including utility, rights and virtue ethics. Intellectual property rights, potential risks in recombinant DNA technology, progress vs. profit and other important aspects of the biotechnology industry were discussed. The seminar’s main purpose is get students thinking about the future work they participate in and potential ethical dilemma they might encounter. The seminar emphasizes the responsibility that engineers have regarding the research they conduct and the products they produce.

Sample Case Studies: Ethics Analysis Worksheet:

Ithaca Outreach

Ithaca Science Center

A presentation on introductory synthetic biology and its applications was presented to children ages 5-12 at the local Ithaca Science Center. The presentation included elementary explanation of the central dogma of biology, recombinant DNA technology, cloning techniques, biobricks and iGEM and a brief list of possible synthetic biology applications.

In addition to informative presentations, hands on activities were provided to explain genetic diversity and DNA isolation. In the Build-A-Bug activity children flipped coins to determine the genotype and later phenotypes of different body parts. Through this activity, children learn about basic ideas of dominance and recessive genes. In the DNA Necklace activity, children learned how to isolate DNA from yeast cells. Extracted DNA were placed into eppendorf tubes for children to keep.

Build-A-Bug Worksheet: Procedure for DNA isolation from Yeast Cells