(in Polish) Facts and Myths about Genetically Modified Organisms 2600-OG-EN-FAM

Detailed plan of the lecture:
1. Introduction to molecular biology - anatomy of genomes, DNA replication, homologous recombination, transcription and translation.
2. Genetic engineering and GMO creation methods (microorganisms, plants and animals) - molecular cloning, transformation, transfection.
3. State-of-the-art genome editing techniques, including the CRISPR/Cas9 method.
4. Application of GMO in industry, agriculture and medicine.
5. Pros and cons of GMOs.
6. Possible threats of GMOs for humans and the environment.
7. Safety of GMO food of plant and animal origin.
8. Methods for detection of GM organisms by PCR.
9. The importance of GM organisms for further development of agriculture, industry and medicine.
10. Genetic modifications as intellectual and legal property. Legal acts related to GMOs.

Total student workload

Scheduled course contact hours (15 hours) – 0.6 ECTS - lecture - 15 hours Non-contact hours (35 hours) – 1.4 ECTS - preparation for lectures – 15 hours - preparation of an essay – 20 hours Total student workload: 50 hours

Learning outcomes - knowledge

• W1: Describes types of genetic modifications. • W2: Provides basic knowledge about molecular methods used to produce genetically modified organisms. • W3: Lists the benefits and risks associated with the creation of GM organisms. • W4: Gives examples of usage of GM organisms in industry, agriculture, and medicine. • W5: Explains the possible hazards of GM organisms for the environment and the biodiversity.

Learning outcomes - skills

• U1: Discusses the pros and cons of GM organisms. • U2: Provides own opinion about GM organisms supported by clear rationale. • U3: Assesses the possible threats of GM organisms for humans and for the environment.

Learning outcomes - social competencies

• K1: Understands the need to raise awareness of the general public about the benefits and hazards of GM organisms. • K2: Critically assesses information about GM organisms available at scientific and non-scientific sources. • K3: Understands the significance of research integrity in the field of GMO research. • K4: Understands the need to constantly expand knowledge in the area of GMO research.

Teaching methods

- Informative lecture. - Discussion. - Writing an essay.

Expository teaching methods

- informative (conventional) lecture
- discussion

Exploratory teaching methods

- case study
- classic problem-solving

Type of course

elective course

Course coordinators

Milena Kulasek

Assessment criteria

To graduate from the course, students must achieve all learning outcomes. This is verified via an essay—students must write an opinion essay titled "I am for/against GMO" (around 1000 words).

Bibliography

1. Mahgoub S.E.O. Genetically modified foods : basics, applications, and controversy. Boca Raton : CRC Press, 2015.
2. Wu F., Butz W.P. The future of genetically modified crops: lessons from the Green Revolution. Santa Monica, CA : Rand, 2004.
3. Parekh S.R. The GMO handbook : genetically modified animals, microbes, and plants in biotechnology. Totowa, New Jersey : Humana Press, 2004.
4. Grumet R., Hancock J.F., Maredia K.M., Weebadde C. Environmental safety of genetically engineered crops. Michigan Sate University Press, 2011.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2600-OG-EN-FAM in USOSweb