Faculty Syllabus

BIOL 1415 

Course Description:     

Lecture to focus on an integrative approach to the study of biomolecules with an emphasis on protein structures, functions and uses in a regulated biotechnology laboratory. Students will investigate the mechanisms involved in the transfer of from DNA sequences to proteins to biochemical functions. The course will integrate biological and chemical concepts with laboratory techniques that are used in research and industry; protein and enzyme assays, column chromatography, and spectrophotometry. Critical thinking will be applied in laboratory exercises using inquiry-based approaches, troubleshooting and analyzing experimental data. The course concludes with advanced resume writing and interviewing skills.

Instructional Methodology:

There is both a laboratory and lecture component to this course, which must be taken together.  There will be required readings from the textbooks, as well as occasional additional reading assignments from the literature. Both the lecture and laboratory components will require the use of the Internet and Blackboard which is made available to the student in the Austin Community College computer labs or learning center.  An emphasis is placed on active learning strategies for content mastery.

Course Rationale         

This course is designed to provide practical explorations into fields of biotechnology and train students for work in a regulated laboratory environment. In support of Austin Community College’s Mission Statement to support skills for “life-long learning”, this course will challenge students to apply critical thinking skills to their readings, class activities, laboratory exercises, and classroom discussions about careers in biotechnology. Although an emphasis is placed on each student’s personal responsibility for constructing their new knowledge, opportunities for working collaboratively with groups will also be provided. This course is the second course in the Biotechnology Program and also a biology science elective.

1.     Lecture & Lab Exams. The course is set up in three units and unit exams will be worth 100 points each. Exams will cover topics and concepts covered by lecture, lab and other assigned reading materials. The format of these exams will be diverse, and may include short answer, essay, definitions, problems, analysis, graphing and multiple-choice questions. The hands-on portion format may require the student to identify or use equipment, and interpret results.

2.     Class Participation & Active Learning Exercises.  Students will participate in weekly active learning exercises. Format will vary and may include research and discussion, pop quiz, games, and other classroom activities. Some activities may require some outside-of-class research.  

3.     Biotechnology Product Project This research project consists of written assignments as well as oral presentations and will focus on the creation, and manufacturing of a biotechnology product. There are benchmarks for this project throughout the semester, detailed instructions will be given during class and posted on Blackboard.

4.     Soft Skills Evaluation. You will be graded on preparing for class, participation in class, team-work, attendance, and safe behavior in the lab. This evaluation may also cover areas such as technical skills, resourcefulness, prioritization, organization, problem-solving, and quality of work. There will be an evaluation after each module to allow an opportunity to respond to feedback.

5.     Lab Exercises. Students will turn in weekly lab exercises for grading. Format and instructions are detailed in the lab manual, but may include writing and following SOPs, filling in regulated documentation, analyzing data, graphing, and answering questions. Students are encouraged to collaborate with their team on the writing of lab assignments, but each student must produce and submit their own tables, graphs, and write their own lab answers in their own words. 

6.     Lab Notebook. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook binder as instructed in the lab manual. This notebook will be submitted for grading (dates posted on the schedule).

SUMMARY GRADING SCHEME:

Exams: 35%

Quizzes/Daily Grades: 35%

Lab Projects: 30%

Grading Scale: 90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; < 60% = F                                       

1. Required: Jack O’Grady (Curated and Edited): An Introduction to Biotechnology Methods  Biotechnology Program Entry-Level Certificate Textbook. 2017. OpenStax College.

2. Course Packet. One hard copy of the course packet will be supplied.

INTRODUCTION TO INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY II

BASIC LAB SKILLS IN A REGULATED ENVIRONMENT

DNA SEQUENCING 

PROTEIN CONCENTRATION

ENZYME KINETICS

PROTEIN EXTRACTION FROM CELLS

CHROMATOGRAPHY 

POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL ELECTROPHORESIS OF PROTEIN

 CAREER EXPLORATION