BSC 2426C - Biotechnology Methods I

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 4
Contact Hours: 90
Effective Term Fall 2022 (610)

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)
) and
Pre- or Co-requisite BSC 2420 with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

This laboratory course is designed to provide extensive hands-on application of standard biotechnology laboratory techniques. This is the first of two sequential Biotechnology laboratory courses. The primary focus of this course is basic molecular biology concepts and techniques. Practical, hands-on instruction will provide students with basic skills preparing them for job placement as an entry level laboratory technician. These skills include, but are not limited to: following and developing standard operating protocols, keeping accurate lab and management records, following state/national laboratory safety procedures and implementing laboratory-relevant mathematics used in routine chemical preparation, experimental procedures and data analysis. Laboratory techniques will focus on the extraction and manipulation of nucleic acids including industry-relevant applications of recombinant DNA technology. Proficiency in use of commonly used biotechnology lab equipment and data analysis instrumentation will also be emphasized.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will demonstrate the ability to execute proper safety guidelines and keep accurate records of equipment and chemical inventory by:
    1. demonstrating appropriate safety procedures.
    2. listing the potential safety hazards in a biotechnology laboratory and designing and implementing a safety plan.
    3. evaluating safety data sheets (SDS) and regulatory compliance policies.
    4. detailing the occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) safety regulations as they pertain to the safe handling of a biohazard, including the appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) needed for various biohazard procedures.
    5. checking expiration dates, lot numbers and labels for chemical and hazardous substances.
    6. assessing the proper storage and labeling of chemicals and biologicals according to industry recognized storage guidelines.
    7. identifying first aid supplies, eye wash station, emergency shower, chemical skill kit, emergency contact information, medical information, and emergency protection and evacuation plan.
  2. The student will demonstrate basic biotechnology laboratory skills by:
    1. interpreting and developing protocols, test procedures, standard operating procedures (SOP), equipment manuals, and proper forms.
    2. utilizing scientific notation, significant figures and metric units of measure in experimentation.
    3. becoming proficient in the use and care of common laboratory equipment including but not limited to micropipettes, chemical glassware and autoclaves.
    4. preparing solutions to the correct molarity or % concentration, and to correct pH
    5. preparing chemical reagents using stoichiometry, proper safety precautions (SDS) and accurate buffering guidelines.
    6. practicing aseptic technique.
    7. interpreting experimental results and troubleshooting potential errors.
    8. exhibiting the ability to care for instrumentation and utilize technical support resources.
    9. properly calibrating and validating various instruments in the biotechnology laboratory.
  3. The student will apply basic molecular biology as it applies to the local and global biotechnology industry and associated career paths by:
    1. explaining molecular genetics on the level of DNA, RNA, genes/genomes, chromosomes.
    2. drawing connections between recombinant technology and applications such as cloning, forensics, stem cell biology, as well as in basic research.
    3. becoming familiar with aseptic techniques and the use of microbes in research labs.
    4. operating molecular biology specific laboratory equipment including but not limited to electrophoresis equipment, thermocyclers, hoods, and centrifuge.
  4. The student will master basic laboratory techniques focused on extraction and manipulation of nucleic acids including industry relevant applications of recombinant DNA technology by:
    1. performing DNA extractions.
    2. employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA.
    3. separating nucleic acids using gel electrophoresis.
    4. cloning genes by transformation into bacteria.
    5. extracting and purifying plasmids from bacteria for sequencing.
    6. conducting restriction enzyme analysis.
    7. developing current skills utilized in the biotech industry as technology becomes available.
  5. The student will demonstrate mastery of data analysis and communication skills by:
    1. entering data into appropriate computer applications (e.g. excel).
    2. performing basic applications in word processing, spread sheets, databases, and presentations.
    3. analyzing data through graphic representation and basic statistical analysis.
    4. performing computerized research and web searches, including, but not limited to PubMed.
    5. maintaining appropriate lab notebook records of experimental progress.
    6. preparing oral and written presentations on current research progress.

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 Approval: 11/21/2014, BOT Approval: 02/17/2015, Effective Term: Fall 2015 (505). C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Spring 2018 (540). C&I Approval: 02/14/2019, BOT Approval: 03/19/2019, Effective Term: Fall 2019 (565). C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Spring 2021 (585).
C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Fall 2022 (610)

Related Programs

  1. Biotechnology Laboratory Specialist (BIOT-CT) (625) (Active)
  2. Biotechnology Laboratory Specialist (BIOT-CT) () (Draft)
  3. Biotechnology Laboratory Technology (BIOT-AS) (640) (Active)
  4. Biotechnology Laboratory Technology (BIOT-AS) (635) (Draft)
  5. Industrial Biotechnology PCS (BIOTHS-AR) (605) (Active)
  6. Laboratory Specialist (LAB-ATC) (670) (Active)