COLLEGE 117: Just Biotech: Who Benefits and Who Is Left Behind in Global Biotechnologies

Course Description

Advances in genomics, artificial intelligence and neurotechnologies are expected to transform biomedicine. Genomics has been applied to prenatal testing in order to screen for genetic disorders, improve cancer treatment, and diagnose rare disorders. Artificial intelligence has been applied to improving areas of healthcare such as diagnostic tests and developing potential medical treatments. Neurotechnologies have generated hopes of providing improved prosthetics or treatment for people with neurological and mental health disorders. However, as these biotechnologies are developed and implemented, they raise important questions regarding justice and equity. Who benefits from these advances in science and technology, and who is excluded? Is research and development in these areas proceeding in ways that are inclusive of diverse perspectives and populations? In this course, students will examine equity and justice in genomics, artificial intelligence, and neurotechnology from a global perspective. We will discuss how the medical knowledge that builds and is generated by these biotechnologies reflects and may contribute to global inequities in healthcare outcomes. Students will explore these biotechnologies in a global context, applying ethical frameworks to assess justice and equity challenges, and examining models for their equitable and just development and use.