discussion

DISCUSSION 1

Genetically engineering 'ethical' babies After watching Gattaca, post your reflections to these discussion forums:

Posts should relate the genetics course topics to additional facts and perspectives and offer insights and/or critiques. You credit points are assigned on the basis of quality and quantity (> 250 words each). Make sure you also submit GATTACA assignment part 1 via the dropbox to receive full credit of the GATTACA assignment.

1. 1. Read the article published in The Telegraph "Genetically engineering 'ethical' babies is a moral obligation, says Oxford professor"; 16 Aug 2012

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/9480372/Genetically-engineering-ethical-babies-is-a-moral-obligation-says-Oxford-professor.html

The article has an online poll which asks:

Should we consider genetically screening behavioural traits?

Yes, everybody benefits, including the child.

No, it is wrong to play God in this way.

DISCUSSION 2

Creating artificial life

After watching Gattaca, post your reflections to these discussion forums:

Posts should relate the genetics course topics to additional facts and perspectives and offer insights and/or critiques. You credit points are assigned on the basis of quality and quantity (> 250 words each). Make sure you also submit GATTACA assignment part 1 via the dropbox to receive full credit of the GATTACA assignment.

1. 1. Read the article published in Mail online “Scientist accused of playing God after creating artificial life by making designer microbe from scratch - but could it wipe out humanity?”; 3 June 2010

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1279988/Artificial-life-created-Craig-Venter--wipe-humanity.html

The article has an online poll which asks:

Should scientists be allowed to create synthetic life?

Yes

No