Dramatic Science: Making Astronauts

Synopsis

Set in 2008, this three-part drama about genetic testing delves into the lives of two prospective parents. Adam and Martin are looking to become dads together. Using the latest scientific developments, the couple decide to screen for a set of gene clusters, which might indicate levels of intelligence or dexterity.

In the first episode, Adam and Martin explore the possibilities of opting for the "Omega Package" from American company, Proteus. The package can highlight certain diseases and intelligence, but there is something else the Omega Package offers which Adam is making every effort to keep from his partner.

In the second episode, Adam continues to deceive Martin and arranges a meeting with Proteus to find out the results of the testing, on a day when Martin is busy at work. When Martin appears at the meeting having been tipped off by Adam’s mother, Margaret, it is not only Adam who gets a shock.

In the final episode, having uncovered Adam’s deception, Martin is furious. He can no longer trust Adam, let alone contemplate having a child with him. Frustrated and angry, Adam goes to visit his mother. Whilst not condoning her son’s behaviour, she wants to see him happy. Attempting to engineer a reconciliation, Margaret intervenes once more and calls Martin.

Series

Dramatic Science, Course Xs005

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2001

Year of production

2001

Availability

Out of distribution

Subjects

Biology

Keywords

genetics

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

DVD-R

Price

£34.99 (3 together CM)

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

90 minutes

Year

2011

Type

VHS

Format

PAL

Price

£24.99 each part (OU)

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

30 minutes each

Year

2011

Production Company

Name

Open University Production Centre

Distributor

Name

Canny Store

Web

https://cannystore.com/ External site opens in new window

Phone

01789 207440

Address

The Mansley Centre
Timothy’s Bridge Road
Stratford upon Avon
CV37 9NQ

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk