Prerequisites:  

Skills: O Prerequisites: One year of high school biology and one year of high school chemistry or co-requisite of BIOL 1406 or BIOL 1408. Course Type: T

Ellyn Daugherty, Biotechnology: Science for the New Millennium. 2012 or 2017 (Either edition is okay). EMC Paradigm Publications. ISBN: 978-0-76384-284-0 or 9780763875916.

Lisa A. Seidman. Basic Laboratory Calculations for Biotechnology. 2008. Pearson. ISBN: 0132238101

J. O’Grady. 2018. “BIOL1414 Intro to Biotech Laboratory Manual & Exercise Workbook”.

*One copy of the lab manual will be supplied free as well as provided electronically*

There are 3 modules that encompass 20 different lectures of 1 hour and 20 minutes that also have a laboratory component of 1 hour and 45 minutes. These span the 15 different individual lab units throughout the semester. Module I covers the basic skillsets in molecular laboratory practice and biotechnology composed of the following lectures: Lecture 1: Lab Safety/Introduction, Lecture 2: What is Biotechnology, Lecture 3: Essentials Tools in Biotech, Lecture 4: The Raw Materials of Biotech, Lecture 5: Basic Skills of the Biotech Workplace, Lecture 6: Preparing Solutions, Lecture 7: Water Quality, Lecture 8: Quality in the Biotechnology Workplace, Lecture 9: Building Blocks of Biotech. Module 2 focuses on the basic structure and function of DNA/RNA sequencing technology along with understanding the central dogma of molecular biology and includes Lecture 10: Introduction to DNA, Lecture 11: From DNA to Proteins, Lecture 12: Introduction to the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Lecture 13: DNA Barcoding and Bioinformatics, Lecture 14: DNA Sequencing Technologies, Lecture 15: DNA Forensics. Module 3 focuses on DNA/Protein recombinant techniques and prepping for careers in the Biotechnology workspace that includes Lecture 16: Protein Structure/Producing Recombinant Products, Lecture 17: Recombinant DNA Transformation Techniques, Lecture 18: Bringing Biotech Products to Market, Lecture 19: Medical Biotechnology, Lecture 20: Careers in Biotechnology/Resume Building.

Academic Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will demonstrate verbally and in writing knowledge of the field of biotechnology (including the historical development of the field) and applications of genomics. (Interpersonal skills and Personal Responsibility)
2. Utilizing the S.I. system of units, students will use a variety of laboratory tools, and equipment to learn about and develop basic lab skills such as pipetting, preparing solutions, and weighing and measuring. (Empirical and Quantitative Skills)
3. Students will demonstrate verbally, and in writing, knowledge of DNA, RNA, and protein structures (Critical Thinking Skills).
4. Students will use technology to isolate, amplify, and detect DNA and proteins.
5. Students will demonstrate, both verbally and in writing, knowledge of scientific theory related to biotechnology techniques.
6. Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of and to utilize proper laboratory procedures within a regulated environment.
7. Students will consider, discuss and debate current ethical and legal issues in biotechnology (Communication Skills).

Course Student Learning Outcomes

The competency outcomes for this course reflect skills necessary in the biotechnology workforce which emphasize communication skills, punctuality, and teamwork in addition to biotechnology skills. The Biotechnology Program is accredited by The Texas Skill Standards System administered by the Texas Workforce Investment Council for Integrated Skill Standards into the curricula.