Biohackers is a German thriller series following Mia, a medical student at the University of Freiburg, trying to impress her professor to join her lab as a Research Assistant. In doing so, Mia is confronted with hard decisions when her research begins to involve illegal genetic experimentation. In parallel, Mia investigates her brother’s death caused by experiments similar to those, she is involved in.
Clip #1
- Clip URL: https://criticalcommons.org/view?m=Dg4zqTlHG
- Concepts: Human Capital, Technological Knowledge, Productivity.
- Background: Prof. Lorenz says to her students that what is in the textbook is irrelevant because the included information is already outdated and that they should focus on finding new solutions.
- Question: Which two determinants of productivity do you develop when studying at the university? Which other factors of production is Prof. Lorenz trying to improve by requiring students to focus on new solutions?
Clip #2
- Clip URL: https://criticalcommons.org/view?m=X64cyK4p9
- Concepts: Opportunity cost of time.
- Background: Mia has scheduled an appointment with Prof. Lorenz for a potential research assistant position. She talks with her friends about her long working hours in the lab and how it may affect her leisure and study time.
- Question: If she accepts to take the research assistantship job, what is Mia sacrificing? Justify your answer by using a course concept.
Clip #3
- Clip URL: https://criticalcommons.org/view?m=GeAHWFVgx
- Concepts: Patent, monopoly, inelastic demand, fixed cost.
- Background: Mia and Niklas discuss Jasper’s situation. He must work ridiculously long hours to access his experimental treatment for his Huntington’s Disease. They also discuss the cost of such a treatment for other patients.
- Question: Why are drugs for rare and lethal diseases often very expensive? Discuss the economic mechanisms that aggravate the problem.