Course Listing
Biotechnology Law
Last Updated Date: 10 June 2022
4 Credits, Semester 1
Course Description:
This module will deal with the legal, policy, economic, social and ethical issues arising from the application of biotechnology techniques and the use of their methods and products in various sectors, such as medical, agricultural, etc.
The main focus will be on intellectual property and patent issues, particularly in respect of genetic, medical and pharmaceutical technology which are key sectors in Singapore and other countries.
Some specific issues that will be analyzed include patentability of biological materials, gene sequences, stem cells, plants, animals, humans, medical treatments, as well as the most recent issue of the role of intellectual property in the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an international and comparative perspective, different regulatory systems for research and development using controversial biotechnology techniques, including human genetic modification and cloning, GMOs, CRISPR, etc., will be analysed, also in light of a multidisciplinary approach which will take into account aspects like ethics of interventions on human life, access to genetic resources, sustainability, biodiversity and food sovereignty.
Apart from Singapore law, an analysis of the approaches in Europe, US, China, India, Japan and Australia will be explored.
This module will be of interest to all who wish to gain greater insights into the important and rapidly developing field of biotechnology. Prior knowledge of biology or intellectual property law will be useful but is not necessary, as all students will be introduced to the fundamentals of biology, genetics, intellectual property and patent law.
Please click here for more details on the module
Course Convenor: Visiting Prof Andrea Stazi
Co-teacher(s): NA
Module Codes: LL4007 / LL5007 / LL6007 / LLJ5007
Contact Hours: 9 sessions over 3 weeks: Three, 3-hrs continuous weekly seminars
Workload: Intensive: Wk 1 to 3; Dates: 8 Aug - 26 Aug 2022
[Mon, Wed: 6.30 - 9.30pm; & Fri: 2.30 - 5.30pm]
Mode of Assessment: Class Participation - 20%; Research Paper- 80% [Due: Fri, 30 Sep 2022 (9pm)]
Preclusions: Nil
Prerequisites: NUS Compulsory Core Law Curriculum or common law equivalent.
Examination Date: Different Mode of Examination
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