Biotechnology and the Societal Challenge

This course explores how biotechnology can address key societal challenges identified by the European Union. These include health and demographic change, food security and sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and climate action. Students are introduced to plant and microbial biotechnology, ethical considerations, and patent systems. As part of the course, students formulate their own biotechnology-based solutions to one of the societal challenges. They engage in discussions, critically assess literature, and work with patent databases to evaluate the broader societal impact of biotechnological innovations.