The course falls in two parts. The first part gives a background in moral philosophy, introducing normative theories like utilitarianism, duty ethics and virtue ethics, etc. The second part departs from practical ethical questions in the field of biotechnology. Questions to be discussed include: Is there an ethical difference between therapeutic and reproductive cloning? Should research on stem cells be legal? Are we the owners of our bodies and if so, should we be allowed to sell our bodily organs? How does gene technology affect the possibilities of giving everyone fair chances in life? How should we cope with risks associated with gene technology? The practical problems dealt with in the course will have influence on discussions of concepts such as rights, justice, ownership, naturalness, integrity, autonomy, and risk.
FAK3155 Ethics of Biotechnology 7.5 credits
Information per course offering
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Information for Autumn 2025 Start 25 Aug 2025 programme students
- Course location
KTH Campus
- Duration
- 25 Aug 2025 - 12 Jan 2026
- Periods
- P1 (4.0 hp), P2 (3.5 hp)
- Pace of study
25%
- Application code
50603
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
- No information inserted
- Planned modular schedule
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- Schedule
- Schedule is not published
- Part of programme
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Contact
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus FAK3155 (Autumn 2023–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completed course the student should be able to
- outline the basic theories and concepts of moral philosophy, and apply those theories and concepts on problems in the field of biotechnology,
- identify and discuss in a critical manner, orally as well as in written form, ethical problems in the field of biotechnology,
- assess the quality of arguments put forth in the field of biotechnology and argue, in an independent and structured way, for or against possible positions held on central issues,
- analyse, independently and in written form, a philosophical problem or area of inquiry related to biotechnology.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
120 credits of university studies in technology or the natural sciences as well as knowledge of English equivalent to English B/ English 6.
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- DEL1 - Participiation, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Home exam, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- ÖVN1 - Essay, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
- Attendance (DEL1; 1,5 cr) P/F
- Home exam (TEN1; 3 cr) P/F
- Essay (ÖVN1; 3 cr) P/F
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Supplementary information
To apply for the course, please fill in the form available on this link: https://www.kth.se/form/fak3155-ethics-of-biotechnology