Advanced Biotechnology I

Syllabus

Course Hours: 120 hrs = 1 HS Credit

OCAS Subject Code:8704

Summary:This is a course that is intended for students who have excelled in Biotechnology I and II. It will challenge them to gain knowledge in upper-level biochemistry, chromatography, and lab techniques.

Major Themes: Students will develop a conceptual framework for the use of Biotechnology in expanding areas and an appreciation of science as a process. There are several themes that are explored in detail. They are:

  • Chromatography
  • Protein Purification
  • RNA Isolation
  • Microarray Screening and Analysis

Assessment: Students will be assessed as detailed in the Biotechnology Handbook using 60% Lab and 40% Theory to calculate their course grade

Text:

Biotechnology: An Introduction, Susan R. Barnum, Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2005

Biotechnology: Science for the New Millennium, Ellyn Daugherty, Paradigm Publishing, 2007

Introduction to Biotechnology, Thieman and Palladino, Pearson Benjamin Cummings, 2004

DNA Science: A first course, Micklos and Freyer, Cold Spring Harbor Press, 2003

DNA Technology: The Awesome Skill, Alcamo, Harcourt Academic Press, 2001

Labs: Labs play an integral part of this course they provide the student with an opportunity to learn a variety of skills and facts, principles, and concepts of advanced biotechnology while also calling on knowledge and skills gained in previous courses. Lab investigations will encourage higher-order thinking, generating ideas, and formulating hypotheses. The lab topics covered are:

  • Purification of Enzymes
  • RNA Extraction
  • Gene Silencing
  • Reverse Transcription
  • Screen bacterial libraries
  • Microarray screening
  • Size Exclusion Chromatography
  • Affinity Chromatography
  • Thin Layer Chromatography
  • Ion Exchange Chromatography

Calendar: This calendar shows the approximate timeline we will follow in Advanced Biotechnology and is subject to change. Please verify dates on a regular basis. Additional assignments will be given in class.

Date / Tentative Topics and Chapters / Labs
Week I / Safety / Review Lab Solution Preparation
Week 2 / Intro to Chromatography / Size Exclusion Chromatography
Week 3 / Gel Filtration Chromatography / Gel Filtration Chromatography
Calculating % Recovery
Week 4 / Application of Gel Filtration / Separating RNA from DNA
Week 5 / Thin Layer Chromatography / TLC
Week 6 / Ion Exchange Chromatography / Ion Exchange Chromatography
Calculate Unknown Concentration
Week 7 / Application of Ion Exchange / Purifying EcoRI Enzyme
Week 8 / Affinity Chromatography / ConA Purification from Jack Bean
Dot Blot Analysis of ConA
Week 9 / RNA / Isolation of RNA
RNA Electrophoresis
Week 10 / RNA Diagnostics / MicroArrays
RT-PCR of HIV
Week 11 / Gene Silencing - RNAi / Inducing RNAi by Feeding
Week 12 / Mechanisms of RNAi / Inducing RNAi by Feeding
DNA Isolation of dpy-13
PCR Analysis of dpy-13 mutants
Week 13 / Screening Bacterial Libraries / Secrets of the Rainforest Lab
Week 14 / BioInformatics / BLAST of GAPDH
Week 15 / Review / Testing