Faculty Syllabus

There is both a laboratory and lecture component to this course, which must be taken together.  There will be required reading assignments from the literature and on-line instruction manuals as well as the textbooks. Both the lecture and laboratory components will require extensive 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 and undergraduate research for content mastery.

Prerequisites:   

BIOL1415 and BITC 1340. Passing grade (80% or better) on an ACC Biotechnology placement exam. Course Type: W

This course is designed to provide bioscience undergraduate research, writing, and publication opportunities while exploring advanced topics in molecular biotechnology techniques. This is an undergraduate research and project-based course, which will require active learning and collaborative participation on the part of the student.  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. 

Required Texts/Materials

Textbooks:          Recommended: Karin Knisely, “A student handbook for Writing in Biology”, 4th Edition. 2013.

Lab Manual:       “BITC2441 Lab Manual” This lab manual and supplemental instruction manuals will be provided on Blackboard.

A research-based course in the theory and laboratory techniques of molecular biotechnology with an emphasis on scientific written and oral communication. Applied molecular techniques covered include nucleic acid isolation and analysis, recombinant DNA cloning, primer design, endpoint and real time PCR, metagenomics analysis, and the use of bioinformatics tools to identify, analyze and publish a novel gene and/or a microbiome diversity study.

The competency outcomes for this course reflect skills necessary in the biotechnology workforce which emphasize communication skills, punctuality, and teamwork in addition to molecular biotechnology skills. The Common Course Objectives are posted to Blackboard and on the Biotechnology Program website: http://www.austincc.edu/biotech/. The Texas State Skills Board (TSSB) recognized Skill Standards for this course can be found here: http://www.austincc.edu/biotech/skillstandards.php.