Other pages are self explanatory. You must be familiar with basic chemical notation and bonding. It will be helpful if you have some basic knowledge of biology. You will want to learn some chemical structures in this class so that you can understand relationships between structure and function. If you have difficulty with the chemistry seek help during office hours.
Biotechnology is the practical application of biological science.
Like all human activity it emerges from, and occurs in, a social context. The reason it is worth devoting a course to 'Biotechnology and Society' at this time is that recent developments in biology have widened the scope of problems to which biological solutions are possible. Changes in the world's economic structures, population, and environment, contribute to an atmosphere in which biotechnology is entering the marketplace and the public's consciousness faster than similar technological developments have in the past. Everyone who finishes this class should understand the scientific basis of modern biotechnology well enough that they can treat material appearing in the media critically. In addition, I want you to appreciate how biotechnology affects your life and the lives of others, as well as something of why different people view it so differently.