The Evolution and Dynamics of Biotechnology (P00114)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-SUEDB

This interdisciplinary course will explore the reciprocal shaping of technology and society in the Life Sciences. It will analyse the interactions among the key constituencies and their implications for the evolution of the knowledge base, the structure and dynamics of the industry sectors involved (pharmaceuticals, health care, food and agro-biotechnology), the evolution of policy at UK, EU and global levels, and the development of citizen and stakeholder engagement in innovation processes.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Studies), (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to comment intelligently on:
-the character and dynamics of innovation in relation to developments in life sciences and their application in agriculture, food, health and other industries, with special reference to:
-the acquisition, combination and transfer of knowledge;
-the interaction between supplier offerings, the responses of intermediate and final 'consumers' and the formation of markets for new products
They should be able to analyse the above, highlighting in particular
-the influence of key players and stakeholders (scientists, research establishments, small and larger firms, public interest groups, consumers, citizens, policymakers) and the relationships between them
-the formation and influence of public policies including regulation
-differences within and between industrial sectors, and international differences, notably between the UK, Europe and the USA and between these and the developing world