BSC 2420 - Introduction to Biotechnology

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2022 (610)

Requisites

Prerequisite ENC 1101 with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

This lecture course serves as an introduction to the concepts, infrastructure and a survey of the multiple disciplines within the biotechnology industry. The major areas of biotechnology that will be covered include molecular biology, nucleic acid purification, recombinant DNA technology, protein biochemistry, forensics and use of animal and plant models in agricultural, marine, bioredmediation and biomedical applications. Emphasis will also be placed on ethics and regulations within the specified disciplines as well as current topics and local job opportunities.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the theory and development of molecular and biochemical techniques used in biotechnology.
    1. summarizing the past and present developments in the field of biotechnology.
    2. explaining the central dogma of molecular biology.
    3. defining and discussing the genes, genomics, proteins, proteomics, and biotechnology.
    4. comparing and contrasting prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell and genome structure.
    5. detailing the use of proteins as biotechnology products from upstream to downstream processing.
    6. identifying the molecular and biochemical technology used in each specific field.
    7. describing common molecular and biochemical techniques utilized in the field of biotechnology.
  2. The student will evaluate the use of microbial, animal and plant models in the research and development of applied biotechnology by:
    1. assessing the properties of microbes, animals and plants that may be exploited for biotechnology purposes (e.g. enzyme production).
    2. listing commonly used microbial, animal and plant models.
    3. identifying the model best suited for specific biotechnology applications.
    4. comparing and contrasting techniques used to develop plant and animal transgenics.
    5. Illustrating ethical and legal guidelines for the use of plant, microbes and animals for biotechnology.
  3. The student will demonstrate knowledge of common biotechnology research and laboratory management skills by:
    1. determining best practices in the laboratory setting.
    2. reciting laboratory safety procedures and practices.
    3. finding and compiling material safety data sheet.
    4. developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) commonly employed in biotechnology laboratory.
    5. evaluating the storage and disposal of biohazardous and hazardous waste materials.
    6. determining appropriate supply companies for ordering laboratory materials.
    7. exhibiting correct and efficient use of documentation procedures for laboratory experiments.
  4. The student will demonstrate the scientific concepts of all current fields of practice in biotechnology by:
    1. listing the process of collecting, preserving and processing evidence for criminal forensics use.
    2. detailing the difference between polymorphism based forensics analyses.
    3. defining the process of bioremediation using genetically engineered strains.
    4. determining a plan for strategic use of bioremediation from environmental need to proactive application.
    5. discussing economics as it relates to aquatic/agricultural and medical biotechnology.
    6. identifying uses of biotechnology to increase quality, quantity and value of food and pharmaceutical products
    7. designing potential gene therapies including development, delivery and regulatory compliance.
    8. explaining the process of regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies and cloning technology.
  5. The student will evaluate the ethical, social and legal regulations (national and international) placed on development and implementation of biotechnology products by:
    1. elucidating the different roles of USDA, EPA and FDA.
    2. identifying the proper use of patents.
    3. recounting the history of regulations on biotechnology industry.
    4. discussing pros and cons of controversial biotechnology products.
    5. detailing the process of pharmaceutical clinical trials.
    6. explaining the differences in US Public Health Services Bio Safety levels (BSL).
    7. reviewing current NIH regulations as relevant to course materials.
  6. The student will demonstrate his/her ability to communicate to their peers and the general public the concept and applications of current technological innovations in the major areas of biotechnology by:
    1. discussing the application of the scientific method in biotechnology through literature reviews.
    2. reporting current biotechnology innovations.
    3. summarizing in written and oral format the development and applications of biotechnology products.
    4. identifying companies and research groups actively contributing to development of biotechnology products.
  7. The student will investigate opportunities in the local biotechnology industry by:
    1. designing a career goals portfolio tailored to local biotechnology jobs.
    2. reporting to peers a project on biotech industry infrastructure and opportunities.
    3. identifying and contacting as least one local biotech business.

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: Fall 2018 (550). 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. Biomedical Sciences PCS (BMEDHS-AR) (570) (Active)
  2. Biotechnician Assistant (to BIOT-AS) (BACEIC-AR) (650) (Active)
  3. Biotechnician Assistant (to BIOT-CT) (BACE2IC-AR) (580) (Active)
  4. Biotechnology Laboratory Specialist (BIOT-CT) (625) (Active)
  5. Biotechnology Laboratory Specialist (BIOT-CT) () (Draft)
  6. Biotechnology Laboratory Technology (BIOT-AS) (640) (Active)
  7. Biotechnology Laboratory Technology (BIOT-AS) (635) (Draft)
  8. Industrial Biotechnology PCS (BIOTHS-AR) (605) (Active)
  9. Laboratory Specialist (LAB-ATC) (670) (Active)