Separating Truth from Myth: Understanding Biotechnology
by Debra Marsh, Crop & Soil Sciences, 1/3/08
Michael Neff, crop biotechnology assistant professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, will lead an exciting new class designed to help students develop an understanding of biotechnology in the 21st century. Crop Biotechnology (CropS 425) is a new course at WSU and is being offered for the first time in the Spring 2008 semester.
“This is going to be an awesome class!” said an enthusiastic Neff. “I love to teach, and this is an incredibly important topic for students interested in plant sciences.”
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In the three-credit class, students will learn how transgenic plants are made, discuss the perceived benefits and risks of genetically modified crops (GMO), explore alternate approaches to using modern genetic information in crop breeding, and ultimately develop the skills to intelligently and clearly express opinions about these important issues in agriculture.
Neff doesn’t espouse a blanket opinion on GMO plants one way or the other. “There is no agenda behind this class. My intention is to help students formulate their own opinions,” said Neff.
By the end of the class, students should have an understanding of the current status of plant biotechnology and be able to thoughtfully evaluate criticisms and claims regarding the genetic modification of crops. “I want them to be able to write a letter to the editor in a way that is based on knowledge rather than emotion—and for them to understand the science of plant modifications and how they relate to some of the risks involved,” said Neff.
Michael Neff, Assistant Professor
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