The focus of this talk will be to provide some background for understanding genetic engineering and its applications. We will begin with a discussion of the scientific basis for what is called genetic engineering. We will then consider some of the applications of the technology focusing on genome and proteome analysis, medical, and commercial application. Finally, we will pose and, time permitting, address some ethical, legal, and social issues arising from the application of genetic engineering recombinant DNA technology, genomics, and proteomics in medicine and industry.