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HAVING THE SUPREME COURT COME TO YOUR CLASS Martin Wolf, Patricia Goodman- Mamula , and Pamela Skinner

HAVING THE SUPREME COURT COME TO YOUR CLASS Martin Wolf, Patricia Goodman- Mamula , and Pamela Skinner Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota. Creativity. Critical Thinking. Confidence. INTRODUCTION.

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HAVING THE SUPREME COURT COME TO YOUR CLASS Martin Wolf, Patricia Goodman- Mamula , and Pamela Skinner

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  1. HAVING THE SUPREME COURT COME TO YOUR CLASS Martin Wolf, Patricia Goodman-Mamula, and Pamela Skinner Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Creativity Critical Thinking Confidence INTRODUCTION VBS 1001 is an introductory 4 credit course on Biotechnology with no prerequisites. The course provided lecture and laboratory exercises with a comprehensive introduction to biotechnology. We used the current case before the Supreme Court, “Molecular Pathology vs Myriad Genetics” as a focus for an in-lab debate. With this exercise we hoped to foster the 4 Cs; creative thinking, critical thinking, confidence and curiosity. Student comments: “I like the creative thinking and problem solving activities/points rather than right or wrong straightforward question-answer quizzes. I learn a lot more” “Exercise should be more structured and organized” “Need stricter rules on order of arguments and rebuttals” Disagree------------Agree Disagree------------Agree EXERCISE • Pre and Post -Debate Question: • On a scale of 1-5 rate your level of agreement with the following statement: • NIH funded research should not be patentable. Pre and Post Debate Question: On a scale of 1-5 rate your level of agreement with the following statement: Myriad Genetics should maintain the patent rights to BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. Should you be able to patent a gene? An overview of the Supreme Court Case concerning Molecular Pathologists vs Myriad Genetics was presented to the class. The technical details concerning BRAC-1 and BRAC-2 and the implications of these genes on cancer risk were discussed. An overview of what a patent is and the intent of patent law was also discussed. Students were assigned independent preparation for a debate exercise to be done in class. Debate format: 3-5 minute statements and rebuttals Each student will make both a statement and rebuttal for Molecular Pathologists and a statement and rebuttal for Myriad Genetics. After each statement or rebuttal overall responses were allowed. Instructors posed additional questions at times to further debate. Survey was taken prior to and after debate excercise to obtain student feedback and insight. Scantron survey forms were used to obtain respnses to questions and statements ranked from 1 – 5. Written comments were solicited on 3 x 5 cards. Survey was done anonymously. CONCLUSIONS Curiosity As shown, students felt strongly that citizens should be knowledgeable about biotechnology issues, yet were unaware of the court proceedings prior to our class. The self reported level of curiosity towards biotechnology issues and society was greater after having participated in our class. It is hoped that we have encouraged curiosity by sufficiently explaining and demonstrating various aspects of biotechnology. There was little student support for patentability of a gene or public funded research patents. Concerning Myriad Genetic’s patents, it is interesting to note that positions seemed to harden post-debate, and yet a single student completely changed their opinion. In contrast, the position on NIH research and patents appeared to soften following debate. Our students will be faced with tough decisions regarding use of technology. It is our experience that all of our students were capable of grasping the issues in this specific debate and arriving at an informed opinion. Our students view of a citizens responsibility to understand biotechnology issues may have arisen from their recent exposure to our class. Disagree------------Agree Level of Curiosity On a scale of 1-5 (a-e) rate your level of curiosity with the following statements: Your level of curiosity regarding biotechnical issues and society before you took this class. Your level of curiosity regarding biotechnical issues and society now. • On a scale of 1-5 (a-e) rate your level of agreement with the following statements: • Citizens should be involved in understanding issues related to Biotechnology • I was aware of this United States Supreme Court case prior to discussion in class.

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