TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES VISAYAS

Capt. Sabi St., City of Talisay, Negros Occidental

College of Engineering Technology

Office of the Program Coordinator

LEARNING MODULE

GEC 7: Science, Technology,

and Society

BASIC ARTS AND SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

COMPILED BY:

Lorene Cabilinga Abuyon, MAED

Kristina P. Francisco-Laurilla, DSSE

2020

This module is a property of Technological University of the Philippines Visayas intended

for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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LEARNING GUIDE

Week No.: __10_

TOPIC/S: BIODIVERSITY

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES: At the end of the lesson, the students should have:

1. determined the interrelatedness of society, environment, and health; and

2. created a diagram that showed the relatedness of species in forming up a diverse and
healthy society without compromising one another.

CONTENT/TECHNICAL INFORMATION

BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY

The term biodiversity (from “biological diversity”) refers to the variety of life on Earth at
all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and can encompass the evolutionary, ecological, and
cultural processes that sustain life.

Biodiversity includes not only species we consider rare, threatened, or endangered but
also every living thing—from humans to organisms we know little about, such as microbes,
fungi, and invertebrates (www.amnh.org/research/center- for-biodiversity-conservation/about-
the- cbc/what-is-biodiversity).

It is also the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial,
marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part.
This includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

Biodiversity is the source of the essential goods and ecological services that constitute
the source of life for all and it has direct consumptive value in food, agriculture, medicine and
in industry (Villagio Globale, 2009).

Biodiversity plays a major role in the natural dynamics of ecosystem. For example, a
large golden snails in a certain area of a rice field can help predict a low production of rice
harvest, since eggs of the golden snails are considered pest of rice plant. The larger number of

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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different species in different area can be a predictor f sustainable life in that area.
Sustainability of the ecosystem ensures a better survival rate against any natural disaster. So, as
human inhabitants of the ecosystem, must preserve and conserve the biodiversity of all
creatures.

CHANGES IN BIODIVERSITY

Alteration in any system could bring varied effects. A change in biodiversity could
have erratic effects not only in wildlife or marine life but also human beings.

Humans inhabiting the forest would disturb the natural order of life. Trees and
plants would be affected in the land-clearing operations where the houses would be built.
Animals, insects, and all types of life forms in the cleared area would either be displaced or
most likely be killed. The food chain might be damaged. When the ecosystem is not well taken
care of, biodiversity encounters changes that may impact human health on different levels.

THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY

The United Nations’ Environment Program identified major threats to biodiversity:

1. Habitat loss and destruction

2. Alterations in ecosystem composition
3. Over-exploitation
4. Pollution and contamination
5. Global climate change

Biodiversity loss also means that we are losing, before discovery, many of nature's chemicals
and genes, of the kind that have already provided humankind with enormous health benefits
(www.who.int/globalchange/ecosystems,n.d). Specific pressures and linkages between health and
biodiversity include:

Nutritional impact of biodiversity

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in human nutrition through its influence

on world food production, as it ensures the sustainable productivity of soils and
provides the genetic resources for all crops, livestock, and marine species
harvested for food. Access to a sufficiency of a nutritious variety of food is a
fundamental determinant of health.

Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels: the ecosystem, with
food production as an ecosystem service; the species in the ecosystem and the
genetic diversity within species. Nutritional composition between foods and

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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among varieties/cultivars/breeds of the same food can differ dramatically,

affecting micronutrient availability in the diet. Healthy local diets, with adequate
average levels of nutrients intake, necessitates maintenance of high biodiversity
levels.

Importance of biodiversity for health research and traditional medicine

Traditional medicine continue to play an essential role in health care,

especially in primary health care. Traditional medicines are estimated to be used
by 60% of the world’s population and in some countries are extensively
incorporated into the public health system. Medicinal plant use is the most
common medication tool in traditional medicine and complementary medicine
worldwide. Medicinal plants are supplied through collection from wild
populations and cultivation. Many communities rely on natural products
collected from ecosystems for medicinal and cultural purposes, in addition to
food.

Although synthetic medicines are available for many purposes, the

global need and demand for natural products persists for use as medicinal
products and biomedical research that relies on plants, animals and microbes to
understand human physiology and to understand and treat human diseases.

Infectious diseases
Human activities are disturbing both the structure and functions of
ecosystems and altering native biodiversity. Such disturbances reduce the
abundance of some organisms, cause population growth in others, modify the
interactions among organisms, and alter the interactions between organisms and
their physical and chemical environments. Patterns of infectious diseases are
sensitive to these disturbances. Major processes affecting infectious disease
reservoirs and transmission include, deforestation; land-use change; water
management e.g. through dam construction, irrigation, uncontrolled
urbanization or urban sprawl; resistance to pesticide chemicals used to control
certain disease vectors; climate variability and change; migration and
international travel and trade; and the accidental or intentional human
introduction of pathogens.

Climate change, biodiversity and health

Biodiversity provides numerous ecosystem services that are crucial to

human well-being at present and in the future. Climate is an integral part of
ecosystem functioning and human health is impacted directly and indirectly by
results of climatic conditions upon terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Marine
biodiversity is affected by ocean acidification related to levels of carbon in the
atmosphere. Terrestrial biodiversity is influenced by climate variability, such as

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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extreme weather events (ie drought, flooding) that directly influence ecosystem
health and the productivity and availability of ecosystem goods and services for
human use. Longer term changes in climate affect the viability and health of
ecosystems, influencing shifts in the distribution of plants, pathogens, animals,
and even human settlements.

THINK ABOUT THIS!!!

1. Do you think that earth can exist without

human beings taking care of it? Or
biodiversity also needs human beings for
it to be in continuous growing process?

2. What are small ways that you think

would promote safekeeping our
biodiversity? What do you think are the
common human activities that can harm
biodiversity? What would be the
consequences if these human activities
might be stopped and prohibited?

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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PROGRESS CHECK:

1. Watch the video on biodiversity and ecosystem on www.youtube.com/

watch?v=1cvMX82iwRM.

2. After watching the video, create a diagram that shows the relatedness of species in
forming up a diverse and healthy society without compromising one another. (40pts.)

LEARNING GUIDE

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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LEARNING GUIDE

Week No.: __11-12_

TOPIC/S: GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM

GENETIC ENGINEERING

GENE THERAPHY

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES: At the end of the lesson the students should have:

1. identified issues on genetically modified organisms (GMOs); and

2. explained different implications and impact of GMO.

CONTENT/TECHNICAL INFORMATION

GENETIC ENGINEERING

• is the process of using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology to alter the genetic makeup
of an organism.
• has been with the human society since selecting breeding was introduced to humankind
and when animals were domesticated.
• involves the direct manipulation of one or more genes. Most often, a gene from another
species is added to an organism's genome to give it a desired phenotype.
The term genetic engineering was coined by Jack Williamson (1951) author of the science
fiction novel Dragon’s Island (Stableford, 2004). This was years before actual research findings
on the DNA’s role in heredity and its structure, the double-helix of Watson and Crick were
published. Through continuous search and development, genetic engineering no longer stayed in
science fiction novel. It became reality in science laboratories.

Plants Genetic Modification:

• Simple Selection
The easiest method of plant genetic modification
• Crossing
occurs when a plant breeder takes pollen from one plant and brushes it onto the pistil of a
sexually compatible plant, producing a hybrid that carries genes from both parents.

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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• Interspecies Crossing
can take place through various means. Closely related species, such as cultivated oat
(Avena sativa) and its weedy relative wild oat (Avena fatua), may cross-pollinate for
exchange of genetic information, although this is not generally the case.

Animal Genetic Modification:

• Domestication and Artificial Selection

Sometimes human technical intervention is required to complete an interspecies gene
transfer. Some plants will cross-pollinate and the resulting fertilized hybrid embryo
develops but is unable to mature and sprout.
• Assisted Reproductive Procedures
Modern breeds of livestock differ from their ancestors because the use of frozen semen
for artificial insemination (AI), along with sire testing and sire selection, has markedly
affected the genetic quality of livestock, especially dairy cattle.
The possible benefits of genetic engineering includes:

1. More nutritious food

2. Tastier food
3. Disease - and drought-resistant plants that require fewer environmental resources
(such as water and fertilizer)
4. Less use of pesticides
5. Increased supply of food with reduced cost and longer shelf life
6. Faster growing plants and animals
7. Food with more desirable traits, such as potatoes that produce less of a cancer-causing
substance when fried
8. Medicinal foods that could be used as vaccines or other medicines
There are Some people have expressed concerns about GE foods, such as:

• Creating foods that can cause an allergic reaction or that are toxic
• Unexpected or harmful genetic changes
• Genes moving from one GM plant or animal to another plant or animal that is not
genetically engineered
• Foods that are less nutritious

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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GENETIC MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMO)

• It is the term used for an organism created through genetic engineering.

• The World Health Organization( W.H.O, 2014) defines GMO as an “organism, either
plants, animal or microorganism, in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in
a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination.

GMO Process on Plants

Food and Agriculture Industries

The Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health identified the following roles of
GMOs in the food and agricultural industries:

• Pest resistance
genetically modified plants to resist certain
pests.

• Virus resistance
genetically modified plants to resist certain
viruses.

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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• Herbicide tolerance
genetically modified plants to tolerate
herbicide

• Fortification
genetically modified plants fortified with
certain minerals

• Cosmetic preservation
genetically modified plants resist natural
discoloration.

• Increase growth rate

genetically modified organism that has higher yield
in growth than normal species.

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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Non Food Crops and Micro Organisms

Genetically modified organisms in non-food crops and some microorganisms involve the
following:

• Flower production
In flower production are seen in modified color and extended vase life of flowers.

• Paper production
modified characteristics of trees for higher yield of paper production.
• Pharmaceutical productions
modified plants to produce pharmaceutical products. (Ex. Medicine)
• Bioremediation
use of modified plants that can assist in the bioremediation of polluted sites.
• Enzyme and drug production
use of modified microorganisms that can produce enzymes for food processing and
medicines.
• GMOs In the Medical Field
is playing a significant role from diagnosis to
treatment of human dreaded disease.

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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Benefits of GMOs

1. Higher efficiency in farming

2. Increase in harvest
3. Control in fertility
4. Increase in food processing
5. Improvement of desirable characteristics
6. Nutritional and pharmaceutical enhancement
7. Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides
Potential Risks of GMOs

• Since generic engineering is still a branch of science, there are inadequate studies on the
effects of GMOs to human and the environment
• Genetic engineering promotes mutation in organisms which the long-term effect is still
unknown
• Human Consumption of GMOs might have the following effects:

More allergic reactions

Gene mutation
Antibiotic resistance
Nutritional Value
Potential Environmental Risks Caused by GMOs

• Risk in gene flow

• Emergence if new forms of resistance and secondary pests and weed problems
• Recombination of virus and bacteria to produce new Pathogens
Direct and Indirect environmental risks caused by GMOs

1. Direct environmental risks:

The possibility of unexpected behavior of the GMOs in the environment if it escapes its
intended use and may post threats or become pests
2. Indirect environmental risks: May have varied environmental impacts due to GMOs
interaction and release in the natural environment

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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Potential Human Health Risks caused by GMOs

1. Consumption of GMOs may have adverse effect since it is not naturally or organically
produced;
2. Consumption of GMOs may alter the balance of existing microorganisms in the human
digestive system;
3. Production of toxin may be detrimental to human health; and
4. Production of allergens may have adverse effect on humans.
Other Potential Risks that raise major concern are:

1. Human Genome Project (HGP) - Mapping of human genes to provide framework for
research and studies in the field of medicine.
2. Mutation of genetically engineered micro-organisms - Modified bacteria and virus may
mutate to become more resistant or virulent that may cause more dreadful disease for
human beings.
3. Cloning - The asexual reproduction of an organism using parent cell through genetic
engineering.
Gene Therapy

• It is a potential method to either treat or cure genetic related human illnesses.

• It was inspired by the success of recombinant DNA technology which occurred over the
last 20 years.
Basic Process of Gene Therapy

• Replacement of mutated gene that cause disease with a healthy copy of the gene
• Inactivation of a mutated gene that is functioning improperly
• Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight a diseases
Two Types of Gene Therapy

1. Somatic Gene Therapy involves the manipulation of genes in the cell that will be helpful
to the patient but not inherited to the next generation.
2. Germ-line Gene Therapy which involves the genetic modification of germ cells or the
origin cells that will pass the change on to the next generation (Your Genome,2017).

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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Stem Cells Gene Therapy

STEM CELLS are the mother cells that have the potential to become any type of cells in the
body.

Stem Cells in Two Different Sources are:

1. Embryonic cells
are derived from a four or five-day old human embryo that is in the blastocyst phase of
development
2. Somatic Stem Cells
are cells that exist throughout the body after embryonic development and are found inside
of different types of tissue.

Open Discussion:

The Bioethics of Gene Therapy

1. How can “good” and “bad” uses of gene therapy be distinguished?

2. Who decides which traits are normal and which constitute a disability or disorder?
3. Will the high costs of gene therapy make it available only to the wealthy?
4. Could the widespread use of gene therapy make society less accepting of people who are
different?
5. Should people be allowed to use gene therapy to enhance basic human traits such as
height, intelligence or athletic ability?

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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PROGRESS CHECK:

1. Watch the video on www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMVHnNeT-ps.

2. Answer the question below in 3-5 sentences only?

Is genetic engineering a pure scientific process or it is indeed an act of humans playing

like God?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

This module is a property of Technological University of the Philippines Visayas intended

for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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LEARNING GUIDE

Week No.: __13_

TOPIC/S: NANOTECHNOLOGY

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES:

At the end of the lesson the students should have:

1. defined nanotechnology;
2. described the various use of nanotechnology; and
3. explained the status of the use of
nanotechnology in the Philippines.

CONTENT/TECHNICAL INFORMATION

What is NanoTechnology?

• Heinrich Rohrer (1933 - 2013) is the

Father of NanoTechnology
• It refers to the science, engineering and
technology conducted at the nanoscale,
which is about 1 to 100 nanometers.
• Nanoscience and nanotechnology employs
the study and application of exceptionally
small things in other areas of science
including materials, science, engineering,
physics, biology and chemistry.
• Characteristics of NanoScale Source: 2Fnanoconvergencejournal.springeropen.com

• A Nanometer is a billionth of a meter,

or 10^-9 of a meter.
On this Illustration shows how small
nanoscale is compared to other particles
or material

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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Types of Special Microscopes that can view minute Nano Materials

• Electron Microscope
This type of microscope utilizes a particle beam of
electrons to light up a specimen and develop a well
magnified image. It was a built by the German engineers
namely Ernst Ruska and Max Knoll during 1930s. It was
also a first electron microscope.

• Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)

It makes use of a mechanical probe that gathers
information from the surface of a material. It was also
first develop by Gerd Binig, Calvin Quate and Christoph
Gerber in 1986.

• Scanning Tunnelling Microscope

A special type of microscope enables scientists to view
and manipulate nanoscale particles, atoms and small
molecules. In 1986, Gerd Binig and Heinrich Rohrer
won the Nobel Prize in Physics because of this invention
that they invented

Source: microbenotes.com

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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NanoManufacturing - It refers to scaled up, reliable and cost-effective manufacturing of

nanoscale materials, structures, devices and system.

Types of Nanomanufacturing

1. Bottom up Fabrication
It manufactures products by building them up from atomic and molecular scale
components
2. Top down fabrication
It trims down large pieces of materials into nanoscale
3. Dip pen lithography
It is a method in which the tip of an atomic force microscope is “dipped” into a chemical
fluid and then utilized to “write” on a surface, like an old-fashioned ink pen onto paper.
4. Self-assembly
It depicts an approach wherein a set of components join together to mold an organized
structure in the absence of an outside direction
5. Chemical vapor deposition
It is a procedure wherein chemicals act in response to form very pure, high performance
films.
6. Nano imprint lithography
It is a method of generating nanoscale attributes by “stamping” or “printing” them onto a
surface
7. Molecular beam epitaxy
It is one manner for depositing extremely controlled thin films
8. Roll to roll processing
It is a high volume practice for constructing nano scale devices on a roll of ultrathin
plastic or metal
9. Atomic layer epitaxy
It is means for laying down one atom thick layers on a surface

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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Benefits and Concerns of Using Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is not a single technology; it may become pervasive

• Nanotechnology seeks to develop new materials with specific properties

• It may introduce new efficiencies and paradigms which may make some natural resources
and current practices uncompetitive or obsolete.
• It may be complicated to detect its presence unless one has the specialist tools of
nanotechnology.

Example of Areas affected by Possible Benefits Concerns

Nanotechnology

Environment • Improve • High reactivity and toxicity

detection and
• Pervasive distribution in the
removal of
environment
containments
• No nano specific EPA regulation
• Development of
benign industrial
processes and
materials

Health • Improved • Ability to cross cell membrane

medicine and translocate in the body
• No FDA approval needed for
cosmetics or supplements

Economy • Better conducts • Redistribution of wealth

• New jobs • Potential cost of clean ups and
healthcare
• Accessibility to all income levels

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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PROGRESS CHECK:

HOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND NANOTECHNOLOGY?

1. Create a 0ne (1) minute video about nanotechnology.

2. Make the video as clear and creative as possible.
3. It could be in the form of vlog, ppt , etc.
4. Upload the 1 minute video in GC, or sent through gmail.
5. Strictly 1 minute only.

Criteria
Content - 20

Creativity/ - 20
Clarity

Mechanics;
Grammar,
Diction,
Etc. - 20
60 pts.

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for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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REFERENCES

Binder, S., & Polasky, S. (2013). Biodiversity, human well-being, and

markets. Encyclopedia of Biodiversity, 435-439. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-
384719-5.00360-9

Concepcion, G. e. (2012). Science Philippines : Essay on Science by Filipinos (Vols. 1-3).

University of the Philippines Press.
Hickel, J. (2015). "Forget 'Developing' Rich Countries, It's Time to 'De-Develop" Rich

Countries." http://www.the gurdian.com.

Keping, M. (2011). Forest biodiversity sustains human well-being and is in need

of better conservation. Biodiversity Science, 19(3), 273-274.
https://doi.org/10.3724/sp.j.1003.2011.02088

Lee-Chua, Q. (2000). Ten Outstanding Filipino Scientists. Anvil Publishing.

McNamara, D. J. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. C & E Publishing, Inc.
Padilla-Concepcion, G. (2015). Science Philippines : Essays on Science by Filipinos Volume III.
University of the Philippines Press.
Ryan, M. C. (2010). Ethics and Human Dignity. Rex Book Store.
Serafica Janice Patria J. : Pawilen, G. T., & Caslib Jr., B. N. (2018). Science, Technology and
Society. Rex Book Store.

This module is a property of Technological University of the Philippines Visayas intended

for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.
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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Lorene Cabilinga Abuyon, MAED

AB English, Colegio San Agustin Bacolod
Master of Arts in Education, University of San Agustin Iloilo

Affiliated with:

Basic Arts and Sciences Department, TUP-Visayas

Contact Information:

• SMS (09499676220/09454184922)
• E-mail (lorene_abuyon@tup.edu.ph)
• Facebook (http://www.facebook.lorene.abuyon)

Kristina P. Francisco-Laurilla
BA Political Science, University of the Philippines - Visayas
Diploma in Social Studies Education, University of the Philippines Open
University – Los Banos

Affiliated with:

Basic Arts and Sciences Department, TUP-Visayas

Contact Information:

• SMS (09177733643/09150746272)
• E-mail (kristina_francisco@tup.edu.ph)
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tintin.francisco.311)

This module is a property of Technological University of the Philippines Visayas intended

for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT FOR SALE NOR FOR REPRODUCTION.