Particularly suitable for students (from Bachelor 3rd year onwards) of D-BIOL, D-CHAB, D-HEST
Maximum number of participants limited to 20
Courses
Number
Title
Hours
Lecturers
851-0594-04 S
One Study, Two Paths: The Dual-Use Dilemma in the Life Sciences
Online seminar: This seminar will primarily take place online. Reserved rooms will remain blocked on campus for students to follow the seminar from there.
Research and technologies emerging from the life sciences bring beneficial aspects to our society but also unforeseeable risks regarding biosafety and biosecurity. In this course, students will learn about the advances in science and technology and their implications for society and international treaties (BWC or CWC) and their social, ethical and legal responsibilities as life scientists.
Learning objective
By the end of this course, students will be able to critically assess their own research regarding the possibility to apply scientific results or methods with benevolent or malevolent intentions (dual-use) and will be able to integrate strategies into their research design to reduce the misuse potential.
Content
Life sciences evolve rapidly supported by developments in related disciplines. However, while those new and emerging technologies greatly benefit society, they additionally bring along predictable as well as unforeseeable risks in the context of biosafety and biosecurity.
The ability of life science professionals to critically assess their own research regarding potential misuse risks and how to reduce these is a crucial aspect to maintain research integrity against the background of novel security concerns arising from the speed and dynamics of advancements in the life- and associated sciences.
During the course, you will discuss about your societal, ethical, and legal responsibilities as life scientists. You will become aware of biosecurity and biosafety risks and what scientists can do to minimize misuse potential in highest-risk research (=“dual use research of concern”). A strong focus of the seminar lies on interactive group work for which you will be able to build on your individual experiences and scientific background. Additionally, a combination of lectures and input from guest speakers will provide you with essential background information and insights into real-world applications. You will understand the dual-use dilemma and learn about biological warfare, biological terrorism, and the international prohibition regimes; the national implementation of the biological and toxins weapons convention and about efforts to build the web of prevention against the misuse of life sciences.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
assessed
Method-specific Competencies
Problem-solving
assessed
Social Competencies
Communication
assessed
Cooperation and Teamwork
assessed
Personal Competencies
Critical Thinking
assessed
Integrity and Work Ethics
assessed
Self-awareness and Self-reflection
fostered
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course