BSC 2427C - Biotechnology Methods II

College of Natural Sciences

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

Requisites

Prerequisite BSC 2426C with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

This laboratory course is designed to provide extensive hands on application of standard protein biotechnology laboratory techniques. This is the second of two sequential Biotechnology laboratory courses. The primary focus of this course is basic protein biochemistry 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 protein structure, isolation, purification and characterization. Experimentation areas will focus on immunobiological assays, including the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies in western blotting and antigen detection assays. Protein separation, analysis and interactions will also be addressed. Proficiency in use of common biotechnology lab equipment and data analysis instrumentation will also be emphasized.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will analyze the properties of protein molecules by:
    1. solving problems that convey an understanding of the genetic code and the resulting amino acid composition’s effect on biochemistry of proteins.
    2. classifying amino acids by their chemical properties and inferring their impact on protein folding.
    3. identifying all four levels of protein structure (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary).
    4. comparing and contrasting prokaryote vs eukaryotic translation processes.
    5. defining and identifying posttranslational modifications.
  2. The student will isolate, quantitate and characterize protein molecules from various sources by:
    1. using extraction methods to separate and solubilize proteins (recombinant and cellular).
    2. determining protein concentration using standard protein assays and other current technologies.
    3. describing or performing purification of proteins using available chromatography methods (e.g. ion exchange, size, affinity, hydrophobicity).
    4. using gel electrophoresis as a qualitative method of protein verification and analysis.
    5. conducting and evaluating the results of fractionation by centrifugation and dialysis filtration.
  3. The student will evaluate structure/function relationships of protein molecules by:
    1. designing and implementing assays to test activity of proteins.
    2. conducting binding affinity assays of proteins in complexes, to cell surface or as part of a receptor/ligand interaction.
    3. demonstrating an understanding of protein subcellular location using immunohistochemistry (IHC).
  4. The student will experimentally investigate cellular regulation of protein expression by:
    1. determining levels of protein expression using western blotting.
    2. reporting binding affinity by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
    3. demonstrating an understanding of two dimensional electrophoresis (2DE).
  5. The student will analyze and follow standard laboratory procedures related to safety during biochemical experimentation by:
    1. identifying first aid supplies, eye wash station, emergency shower, chemical spill kit, emergency contact information, and evacuation plan for the lab.
    2. using chemical calculation and quality control standards for making standard solutions and buffers in the laboratory.
    3. determining and executing the proper safety procedures for chemical and biohazardous waste handling and disposal.
    4. assessing the proper storage and labeling of chemicals according to industry recognized storage guidelines.
    5. 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.
  6. The student will demonstrate mastery of data analysis and communication skills by:
    1. organizing and interpreting data from experiments conducted in the laboratory.
    2. performing basic applications in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
    3. analyzing data through graphic representation and basic statistical analysis.
    4. maintaining appropriate lab notebook records of experiments in progress.
    5. preparing oral and written presentations on current research progress.
    6. reporting results to peers in the context of current experimental knowledge in the field.

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: 02/09/2018, BOT Approval: 04/17/2018, Effective Term: Fall 2018 (550). 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. Laboratory Specialist (LAB-ATC) (670) (Active)