Beginning this year, the University of Edinburgh School of Law will offer two new modules as part of its distance learning LL.M. program in Innovation, Technology and the Law.
The University describes the two new modules as follows:
Information: Control and Power
"This module investigates through a range of legal disciplines and perspectives, the growing focus placed on, and value attached to, information by society and individuals; concerns as to its control and misuse; and the impact on business and government, particularly in the light of the opportunities and challenges of evolving technologies."
"Students will explore the extent to which access to and use of information and data is controlled and consider the implications of this for privacy, commercial and international development, environmental progress, education and freedom of expression. The roles of IP, competition, world trade law and regulation, human rights and ethics in the field of information control will be examined to enable students to assess when, if ever, control of information should be possible."
Biotechnology: Law and Society
"This module examines the role played by law in the regulation of biotechnology. Two central problems are drawn out, relating to the use of law in this dynamic field. First, it is often difficult for regulators to keep pace with rapid advances in biotechnology and the life sciences. This means that existing legal concepts and regulatory frameworks can soon appear outmoded and inadequate. Second, in an age of moral pluralism, it can be difficult for stakeholders to secure social consensus on how new biotechnologies should be controlled and exploited. As a result, the regulation of biotechnology has often been a site of sharp political disagreement. This module examines how these fundamental tensions are mediated within the legal and regulatory structures governing biotechnology at both the national and international levels."
For more information about this program, please visit the program website or contact Mr. Colin Miller at llm.distance@ed.ac.uk.
