4.0

Average Course Rating

The world is embarking on a biotechnology revolution, with new biological tools that impact not just human health but also energy, climate change, food systems, supply chains, and national security. Over the past 3 years, multiple federal biotechnology policies have accelerated the expansion of the bioeconomy, and our nation finds itself at an inflection point. This course aims to inspire a new generation of bio-literate policy leaders by exploring the current and future impacts of biotechnology, the biotech policy ecosystem, and the pathways by which policy ideas are implemented. The course is designed for non-technical students interested in pursuing policy roles that influence the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology. The first third of the course is focused on developing a foundational understanding of key concepts in biology, providing the knowledge necessary to engage effectively with technical subject matter experts. The remainder of the course leverages the case study method to help students examine the impact of policy (i.e., industrial policy, regulation, standards, etc.) on the advancement of biotech. This will include a focus on the startup ecosystem and considerations that impact investor decisions on financing biotech startups. Additionally, students will examine the ways in which policies such as the Bioeconomy Executive Order came to fruition. By the end of the course, students will not only understand the magnitude of biotechnology’s potential but also feel empowered to shape its future through thoughtful and informed policy making.