1. Bio-Related Technology Chapter 1 Introduction to Bio-Related Technology
Dr. Nowak

2. Summary
This chapter discusses what biotechnology is, providing definitions and a value based perspective. It also provides background information that will lay a foundation for future chapters.

3. Objectives Define bio-related technology.
Provide examples of the ways that bio-related technology affects all our lives.
Identify career fields related to bio-related technology.

4. Introduction Society is made up of five major institutions
Family
Religion
Education
Government
Economics
All are affected by technology
Society is made up of five major institutions; family, religion, education, government, and economics.
All of these institutions are affected by technology.

5. Technology Defined
the knowledge used to change various resources into many goods and services used by society
technology is the tools, materials, and processes people use to extend their power to make or do something
Technology is defined as “the knowledge used to change various resources into many goods and services used by society”.
Technology has also been defined as “technology is the tools, materials, and processes people use to extend their power to make or do something” (Komacek).

6. The World of Bio-Related Technology
Bio-related technology uses living organisms or their parts to make or modify commercial products.
We discussed the difference between biotechnology and bio-related technology earlier (refer to Definition PowerPoint)
Bio-related technology encompasses biotechnology because it also addresses the actions and impacts of biotechnology.
Bio-related technology uses living organisms or their parts to make or modify commercial products.
We discussed the difference between biotechnology and bio-related technology earlier (refer to Definition PowerPoint)
Bio-related technology encompasses biotechnology because it also addresses the actions and impacts of biotechnology.

7. Bio-Related Technology Defined
the practical
application of
mechanical devices, products, substances, or organisms to improve health or contribute to the harmony between humans and their environment

8. The Effects of Bio-Related Technology on Our Lives
Numerous factors influence our lives
Critical need for understanding
Examples of need for understanding:
Universal health care
Improved agriculture
Waste disposal
Acid rain
Greenhouse effect
Numerous factors influence and impact upon the environment in which we live.
It is critical that we develop an understanding of these factors so that we can make appropriate decisions and avoid disastrous situations.
Examples of bio-related decisions we have had to deal with include:
Universal health care – what are the impacts, positive and negative?
Improved agricultural practices
We can feed the entire world – no more hunger?
Impacts, positive and negative?
Waste Disposal
Household Waste
160+ million tons per year
Auto in NYC helped solve problem in 1900’s but created new ones
Technology always results in change
Toxic Waste
Toxic waste is something that is poisonous to humans and animals.
Carcinogens – cancer producing substances or agents
Teratogens – cause fetal damage
Mutagens – cause birth or genetic defects
A promising treatment is biodegradation
Nuclear Waste
Spent fuel cells
Nuclear weaponry
Low-level radiation – medical byproducts such as X-rays
Acid Rain
Rain that is more acidic than normal – below 5.6 which is normal
Caused by burning fossil fuels
Kills fish and defoliates forests
What is being done?
Legislation
Technologies
Catalytic converter
Coal gasification and scrubbers
The Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse layer
Ozone keeps out harmful solar radiation
Gasses such as carbon dioxide keep heat in
Chlorofluorocarbons – CFCs depletes the ozone layer allowing solar radiation in
Carbon Dioxide, among other gasses – traps in heat
Product of burning carbon based fuels and breathing
Consumed by plants to produce food
Pros and cons of burning wood as a fuel

9. Making Decisions about Bio-Related Technology
Need for a “technologically literate society”
Social/Cultural Values
Political Influences
Environmental Influences
Technological Influences
Economic Influences
Educational Influences
The need for a “technologically literate society” or Jeffersonian Democracy
Social/Cultural Values – is the technology right for the time and value of the culture?
Political Influences – influence the speed or ability for technology to be approved or implemented.
Environmental Influences – exploring the environmental impacts of technology.
Green manufacturing
Gaia Hypothesis states that “our planet functions as a single organism that maintains conditions necessary for its survival” (Chamberlin).
Technological Influences – is the technology available to safely and properly develop, test, control, and dispose the products of each process?
Economic Influences – supply and demand theory
The oil situation today
Energy bill passed this summer
Revision being proposed in reaction to Katrina and Rita
Educational Influences – why study technology in general and bio-related technology in particular?

10. Careers in Bio-Related Technology
Careers in all seven major classifications
Bioengineering
Health care
Materials applications
Regulation and safety
Cultivation of plants and animals
Fuel and chemical production
Waste management and treatment

11. Careers in Bio-Related Technology
Factors to consider:
Interests/background
Problem solving abilities
Educational level/desire
Salary expectations
Future of the technological field

12. Sources
Chamberlin, Sean. (2005). Dr. C’s remarkable ocean world. Retrieved September 26, 2005, from
Komacek, Stanley A., Lawson, Ann E., and Horton, Andrew C. (1990). Manufacturing technology. Albany, NY. Delmar Publishers, Inc.
Savage, Ernest N., Rossner, Albert G., and Finke, Gary D. (1993). Bio-Related technology. Albany, New York: Delmar Publishers, Inc.