Resources and strategies to integrate the study of ethical, legal, and social implications of genetics into the undergraduate curriculum.

Gene therapy, genetically modified organisms, and the privacy of an individual's genetic information are just a few of the developments emerging from recent advances in molecular genetics that are controversial. Oversight and regulation of emerging technologies are the responsibility of both experts and the general public who both need to understand the science and the societal impact of its use. The study of ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of advances in genetics provides a very powerful pedagogical tool to accomplish two goals. These are, first of all, to interest nonscientists in genetics and engage them in learning the science behind the ELSI developments they are considering, and secondly, to broaden the perspective of science students to consider the history and social consequences of the science they are studying. The resources and strategies presented in this chapter for teaching ELSI issues that arise in modern genetics are designed to aid in accomplishing these goals throughout the undergraduate curriculum. This chapter provides (1) a set of nine ELSI topic modules that can be incorporated into courses for both majors (from introductory to graduate level) and nonmajors and (2) examples of course pedagogy for specific classes.

Mutational analysis of the ribosome.

The ribosome is responsible for protein synthesis, the translation of the genetic code, in all living organisms. Ribosomes are composed of RNA (ribosomal RNA) and protein (ribosomal protein). Soluble protein factors bind to the ribosome and facilitate different phases of translation. Genetic approaches have proved useful for the identification and characterization of the structural and functional roles of specific nucleotides in ribosomal RNA and of specific amino acids in ribosomal proteins and in ribosomal factors. This chapter summarizes examples of mutations identified in ribosomal RNA, ribosomal proteins, and ribosomal factors.