There is a great need to build bridges between the two cultures so we can understand each other's goals, methodologies, and expectations.
I am pleased to inform your readers that this need was recognized some years ago in the graduate division of biochemistry at Rush University in Chicago. As a result, we initiated a course, "Science and the Law," as an elective for our graduate (Ph.D.) students. It is now a two-hour, one-quarter course (22 contact hours), covering the areas of negligence (including malpractice and product liability); scientific evidence; intellectual property (including trade secrets, copyrights, and patents); and food, drug, and medical device cases.
Our experience with this course has been published (A. Bezkorovainy, Biochemical Education, 20:228-9, 1992). The course director is both a scientist and a member of the Illinois bar.
We would be interested to learn if other institutions are offering courses in science and the law for ...
