PART 1
Assignment 1: Biology Article
Use the Internet to research aspects of biology.
Select an article from a magazine or newspaper that has something in it that pertains to biology. For
instance, you can select an article about medicine, invasive species, nature, conservation, genetic
technology, ecology, or any other topic that is related to biology. One purpose of this assignment is to
help you become aware of how biology is related to your everyday life.
Write a one to three (1-3) page paper in which you:
1. Summarize the article in one (1) or more paragraphs, using your own words. Be sure to identify
the article using an in-text citation in the body of the paper, as well as a reference in the reference
section.
2. Explain how the article relates to this course. Identify which biological concepts from the course
and / or text are relevant to the topic covered in the article. Citing the course text, discuss the
ways in which this course does (or doesn’t) provide background information to help you
understand the article and the larger issues surrounding it.
3. Explain why the article caught your attention. Relate the article to your life and to issues that are
important to you. Discuss how or if the scientific knowledge about the topic covered in the article
affects you directly or indirectly.
4. Discuss your opinion on how research on this topic should be funded. State whether you think
taxpayer monies should support research on this topic or whether such research in this area
should be funded by the private sector. Rate the importance of research on this topic, relative to
other areas of research.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all
sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your
professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s
name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in biology.
• Write clearly and concisely about biology using proper writing mechanics.
PART 2
Assignment 2: Gene Technology
Gene technology carries with it social and ethical implications—many of which engender personal views
and discussion.
Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you:
1. Select one (1) of the following biotechnology topics to explore, providing a sound rationale for
your selection:
• Genetically modified crop plants
• Genetically modified microorganisms
• Genetically modified animals
• Personal genomics and / or personalized medicine for humans
• Gene therapy
2. Organize your paper into the following three (3) sections.
a. Biological basis. Describe the technology. Discuss what it accomplishes. Elaborate on
the scientific principles that make this technology possible. Your goal in this section of the paper is to show the instructor that you understand the underlying science behind the
technology. Describe how exactly the technology works. Discuss the biological principles
that underlie this technology.
b. Social and ethical implications. Without disclosing your personal view about this
technology, provide an analysis of its social and ethical implications. State the ethical
concerns apparent in the use of this technology. Discuss the benefits and risks. Your goal
in this section is to look at all sides of the issue. In the next section, you will give your
opinion.
c. Personal viewpoint. In the previous section, your goal was to be as objective as possible, to look at all sides of the issues. In this section, your goals are to give a personal opinion
about the technology and provide a justification of that opinion.
3. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment, in addition to the course text. Note:
Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources. The body of the paper must
have in-text citations that correspond to the references.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all
sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your
professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s
name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
• Examine DNA structure, and function, gene expression, and control.
• Discuss the various applications of genomics and biotechnology.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in biology.
• Write clearly and concisely about biology using proper writing mechanics.
