Biotechnology and the law

The Unit explores the intersection of biotechnology and law. Possible social, cultural, economic and political concerns about the application of biotechnology techniques and the use of their products in various sectors, medical, agricultural and industrial, and the consequential demands on the law will be central to the unit. The unit focuses on Australian law but where useful, the approach taken in overseas jurisdictions is included. Topics include consideration of the difficulties in regulating science generally; examination of national and state regulatory systems for research and development using controversial biotechnology techniques, including genetic modification and cloning; analysis of the more significant legal concerns regarding access to genetic resources; evaluation of approaches to the regulation of end products of biotechnology.