Ethique et biotechnologie

Abstract

This course handout, titled "Ethics and Biotechnology," covers a core subject in the first semester of the academic Master’s program in Biotechnology and Plant Valorization (BVP) (2025/2026). It carries a coefficient of 2 and 4 credits, with a total course load of 45.5 hours (spanning 14–16 weeks), comprising 1.5 hours of lectures and 1.5 hours of tutorials per week. The course aims to provide the theoretical foundation necessary to understand the concepts of transgenesis and GMO creation—topics that inspire both hope and significant concern—and to familiarize students with the regulations governing genetically modified organisms. To fully grasp the material, students should have prior knowledge of genetic engineering and key concepts in molecular biology. The handout is organized into five chapters, each featuring contextual examples. Following an introduction, the first chapter defines transgenesis and outlines key issues in biotechnology. The second chapter explains biotechnology applications in agriculture, food production, and microbiology, as well as the socio-economic aspects of GMO use. The third chapter examines the negative impacts of GMOs and genetically modified foods on health and the environment. Finally, the fourth and fifth chapters address ethical considerations, GMO regulations, and the international controversies between activists and proponents of GMOs. In-text citations and a list of references are provided at the end of the document.