Ethics and Systems Thinking in Biochemistry: A CRISPR-Based Activity for Undergraduate Students

This inquiry-based activity introduces students to the CRISPR method of genetic engineering and recent applications of CRISPR-editing. This activity was implemented in a nonmajors chemistry course for first-year students, during a 1 h 50 min laboratory period. However, the activity could easily be adapted, and it is useful for meeting scientific literacy learning goals of a college chemistry course for majors, an introductory college biochemistry course, or an advanced high school chemistry or biology course. For the activity, students self-selected into small groups and then researched a particular topic concerning CRISPR using a series of questions designed to guide their discovery work. Subtopics included both biochemical and application details of CRISPR, as well as social and ethical considerations concerning the genetic engineering of humans. The activity was designed to introduce students to this rapidly burgeoning biochemical method using a systems-based analysis in which social and ethical considerations are considered along with technical details. Groups prepared a short written and oral summary of their findings, and the instructor facilitated a class discussion on the topic following group oral presentations. Pre- and postactivity survey analysis indicated that students found the activity worthwhile and were able to reflect on the potential broader social and ethical implications of CRISPR-editing due to the research and discussions facilitated by the activity.