High School Students’ Attitudes Associated with Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics Concepts in Brazil

Alexandre de Sá Freire, Márcia Cristina Fernandes Xavier, Milton Ozório Moraes

Genetic Epidemiology and Functional Genomics Research Group Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

DOI: 10.4236/ce.2013.42021                

Abstract

There is an enormous gap between scientific production and scientific education in Genetics and Bio-technology concerning stem cells, transgenics, genetically engineered medicines and so on. In order to investigate the knowledge and the perception of these concepts among teenagers, a total of 334 surveys were distributed to high school students in one private and two state schools in theRio de Janeirostate,Brazil. Interviews were also used as a qualitative tool to assess the validity of the data obtained in the surveys. Students reported clear ideas about transgenics, but not about genetic engineering of recombinant medication or genomics. The results suggest that when issues are discussed,instead of being explained, they are better assimilated by students, and that association of information in the press with school classes may help to spread scientific concepts.

Keywords

Science Teaching; Biotechnology; Opinion; Genetics; Molecular Biology; DNA

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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