Access and Benefit-sharing of Genetic Resources

General information 

The course is a course on advanced level designed around the framework for Access and Benefit-Sharing of Genetic Resources, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol. The course focuses on the specialized ABS-instruments at an international level. Gives students sufficient understanding of the similarities and differences between the various legal instruments and an understanding of their scope and application.

Course content

The course is divided into seven (7) modules, these are designed as follows. For each module there is a mandatory quiz at the end with multiple choice questions. All lectures are pre-recorded and available on the learning platform Blackboard.

Module 1 

Lays the foundation for the student's learning before the next modules. The basics of the field of law are introduced through lectures on the history of the field of law, where the development of the legal field is presented. 

Module 2 

Covers and provides the basis for the ABS-system and the conventions in the field of law. Furthermore, biological diversity and ecosystems are treated as concepts and their importance for the legal field as well as for humans. Gives students an understanding of the history surrounding the use of biological resources and its importance throughout the ages.

Module 3 

Introduces and discusses the Nagoya Protocol and its purpose, scope and terminology. The module first gives you an overview and then specific knowledge about the interpretation and application of the regulations.

Module 4

Addresses the concepts and perspectives of "providers" and "users" within the ABS-framework. The module explains important concepts in the field of law. Contains the first mandatory seminar with active participation, students are expected to submit a short reflection after the seminar.

Module 5 

Covers the practical aspects of the ABS-system. Gives the students an understanding of what should be included in the regulations, as well as what the purpose of the regulations is. Focuses on the Nagoya Protocol.

Module 6

Treats "Digital Sequence Information" (DSI) and gives students an idea of ​​its meaning and use in practice. Furthermore, students gain an understanding of current discussions within the subject. The course's second mandatory seminar with active participation, which enable the students to gain deeper knowledge of DSI and the current debate.

Module 7

The last module of the course contains the Plant Treaty (ITPGRFA) and its connection to the other conventions that have been covered throughout the course. The students gain an understanding of the multilateral and bilateral system within Access and Benefit-Sharing.

Course overview 

Lectures

In each module there are a number of digital lectures that you can watch via the course webpage, at your convenience.

Quiz 

In each module there are self-correcting tests with multiple-choice questions that help you do a quick knowledge test on your own.

Seminars

The course includes two mandatory seminars and an essay. Seminars take place during the summer of 2023 digitally, but active participation is mandatory to complete the course and receive a final grade.

Assignments

The course includes mandatory written submissions.

Examination 

The final grade is based on an weighted assessment of the student's ability to write an essay and performance and participation in the mandatory seminars