BSC 2461 - Introduction to Biotechnology Model Systems

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 45
Effective Term Spring 2021 (585)

Requisites

(Prerequisite BSC 2010 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite BSC 2010L with a minimum grade of C) or
Prerequisite BSC 2010CH with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

This course introduces the concept of biological model systems in regards to their application to current methods in biotechnology. This course will examine several model organisms with particular emphasis on their limitations and strengths as research systems. This course will also examine strategies of human disease modeling. The discussions of human disease models will include emphasize both the power and limitations of using simple organisms to analyze human disease and an introduction to human physiology. Readings from the primary literature will highlight the historical and current importance of model organisms to current biotechnology applications.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will describe the basic criteria of a biological model system by:
    1. defining what a model organism is and explaining why and when model organisms are used.
    2. critically reading articles in which these model organisms are used and presenting these findings.
    3. outlining the usefulness and limitations of specific biological model systems frequently used in biotechnology (Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis thalia, Danio rerio, Mus musculus).
    4. retrieving specific information from genomic databases on particular model organisms and presenting these findings in a written report.
    5. explaining systems biology and potential computational models that can replace in vivo model systems.
  2. The student will explain the application of model organisms in industrial biotechnology by:
    1. listing industrial processes that can be optimized by biotechnology.
    2. proposing a model suited to address a specific industrial biotechnology question and presenting these findings.
    3. interviewing a scientist working with a particular model organism for a specific industrial biotechnology process and formally presenting this information.
  3. The student will express an understanding of the role of biological models in understanding human disease by:
    1. explaining the normal physiology of the major human organ systems.
    2. comparing normal physiological processes to specific pathophysiologies and their causes.
    3. examining how physiology and pathophysiology can be studied using biological models.
    4. defining the role of knock-out mice as biological models of human diseases.
    5. describing the use of biological models in pre-clinical development of therapies to support testing in humans including: in vitro and in vivo testing of new compounds, the relationship between animal and human pharmacology and drug safety testing.
  4. The student will demonstrate knowledge and proper care/use of model animals and plants by:
    1. maintaining and handling rodents following standard USDA and IACUC protocols; including feeding and separating animals, collecting specimens and keeping health records.
    2. maintaining test plants; including determining optimal growth, treating for insects and other pests, applying appropriate agrochemicals, collecting pollen and keeping and maintaining records.

Criteria Performance Standard

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

History of Changes

C&I Approval: 04/24/2015, BOT Approval: 06/16/2015, Effective Term: Spring 2016 (510). C&I Approval: 02/09/2018, BOT Approval: 04/17/2018, Effective Term: Fall 2018 (550).
C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Spring 2021 (585)

Related Programs

  1. Laboratory Specialist (LAB-ATC) (670) (Active)