BSC 4422C - Methods and Applications in Biotechnology

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 4
Contact Hours: 92
Effective Term Spring 2015 (495)

Requisites

Prerequisite PCB 3063 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite PCB 3063L with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

MCB 3020C or PCB 3023C are recommended. This course focuses on the techniques and applications of biotechnology. Biotechnology refers to utilization and manipulation of biological systems with the intent to solve global and societal problems. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of the biotechnology industry and application of concepts and techniques central to biotech laboratory research. The major areas of biotechnology that will be covered are as follows: 1) Discovery, development and use of recombinant DNA technology. 2) Industry and government regulations on biotech as well as ethical issues surrounding the field. 3) Major branches of the biotechnology industry including forensics, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical/medical, agricultural, environmental and sustainable energy biotechnology. These topics will be covered in context of a clear knowledge of cellular systems, genetics and ecology as well as with rigorous application of the scientific method. This includes careful analysis of the costs and benefits of modern technology on the economy, society and the environment. (Note: This course is a combined lecture and lab class.)

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will synthesize how recombinant DNA technology impacts the biotechnology industry by:
    1. summarizing the historical strides in advanced DNA/molecular technology and the brief history of the formation of biotechnology companies within the US and internationally.
    2. discussing the genomic revolution and its contribution to both basic science and biotechnology.
    3. explaining past and current advancements in recombinant DNA technology.
  2. The student will connect the products generated by the biotechnology industry with US government and international regulations involving safety, economy, ethical and management guidelines by:
    1. completing a proposal for laboratory safety and waste management.
    2. defining current US governmental and international guidelines for conducting private biotechnology research.
    3. debating the ethical and sociological implication of controversial biotechnology applications (i.e., stem cell therapies, cloning, genetic screening).
    4. explaining the difference between rigorous scientific testing and pseudo-science.
    5. investigating the public’s perception of biotechnology.
  3. The student will investigate the research and technological innovations involved in the major areas of biotechnology by:
    1. applying fundamental DNA technology to forensic scientific investigations.
    2. utilizing bioinformatics to search, obtain and analyze information from genomic databases and other publicly available on-line databases.
    3. exploring the process of drug discovery and personalized medicine.
    4. describing the development, distribution and consequences of genetically modified organisms.
    5. explaining how biotechnological tools are used for the development of alternative energy, bioremediation and environmental protection.
  4. The student will compare the use and usefulness of a variety of organisms and viral systems in development of biotechnology products by:
    1. evaluating the use of prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and viral systems in the production of genetically engineered biomolecules.
    2. explaining the mechanisms involved in creating genetically modified and transgenic organisms.
    3. exploring the potential for new and promising technologies, including stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine and gene therapy.
  5. The student will apply his/her understanding of molecular genetics, biochemistry and genomics to engineering biotechnology-relevant products by:
    1. performing experiments and analyzing results using current DNA technology including but not restricted to: restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, cloning, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), transformation, DNA sequencing, western blotting, protein purification, gene expression analysis and microscopy.
    2. demonstrating proficient use of bioinformatics software and genome databases, with particular emphasis on the Human Genome Project.
    3. identifying recent techniques used to in biotechnology, including but not limited to: FACs analysis, RNAi, cell culture, plasmid engineering, microarray, proteomics and histological techniques.
    4. developing and executing a novel experimental strategy of the student’s choice aimed at contributing to one of the major fields of biotechnology (listed above).
  6. The student will demonstrate the ability to work as a part of a biotechnology research laboratory by:
    1. preparing formal lab reports and giving oral presentations both individual and as a part of a research team.
    2. evaluating peers and self based on productivity, interpretation and troubleshooting of laboratory based research projects.
    3. performing an active role in managing a lab group as well as completing assigned tasks by management on collaborative research projects.
    4. utilizing calculations to ensure accurate execution of lab protocols.
    5. practicing important quality control techniques while conducting experimental procedures.
  7. The student will use critical thinking skills and accurately design experiments and interpret scientific data by:
    1. reviewing, summarizing and critiquing peer-reviewed scientific literature relevant to advances in biotechnology.
    2. generating and testing hypotheses related to major questions in the fields of biotechnology stated in course description.
    3. collecting, organizing and analyzing large data sets into useful databases, presenting the data, drawing appropriate conclusions based on the results with reference to the procedure’s application.
    4. performing library and/or internet research on DNA technology and applications.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I 6/14/2011, BOT 10/2011, Effective 20112(0450).
C&I Approval: 05/16/2014, BOT Approval: 10/21/2014, Effective Term: Spring 2015 (495)

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