Faculty Syllabus

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, FPLC, spectrophotometry, PAGE and Western Blotting. 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

Prerequisites: Skills: Co‐requisite of BIOL 1414 or BITC 1411. Course Type: T

MATERIALS:

Textbook:   There is no Commercial Textbook required for this course. Students will be provided a free eTextBook. The following textbook is recommended for students needing additional resources in laboratory math: Lisa A. Seidman. “Basic Laboratory Calculations for Biotechnology” 2008. Pearson. ISBN: 0132238101

Lab Manual:       “BIOL1415: Introduction to Biotechnology Laboratory II”. One copy of the lab manual will be supplied free as well as provided electronically.

Course Subjects

There are 16 lectures of 1h20 min in this course divided in three modules. Each lecture has a laboratory practice of 1h50 min. Module 1 covers the chemistry and cellular foundation of life and is composed of the following lectures: Lecture 1: Class Introduction, Lecture 2: Working in a regulated environment, Lecture 3: Chemistry of Life, Lecture 4: Laboratory Water, and Lecture 5: Introduction to Microbiology. Module 2 covers biomolecules and enzyme activities and is composed of Lecture 6: Quality Assays, Lecture 7: Proteins: Structure & Function, Lecture 8: Protein Assays, and Lecture 9: Enzymes. Finally, module 3 convers biotechnology basic & advanced techniques, and career exploration. Module 3 is composed of Lecture 10: Recombinant protein, Lecture 11: Protein Extraction, Lecture 12: Column Chromatography, Lecture 13: FPLC, Lecture 14: Gel Electrophoresis, Lecture 15: Immunochemistry, and Lecture 16: Career Exploration. Laboratory practices will enable students to develop basic and advanced biotechnician skills. In addition, Students will have assigned projects in which they will have to design, develop, and manufacture a biotechnology product. At the end of this course, students will enhance their laboratory skills and be ready to compete on the biotechnology jobs' market.

Common Course Objectives

Academic Student Learning Outcomes

1. Utilizing the International System of Units (SI), students will use a variety of laboratory tools and equipment to prepare multicomponent solutions, perform serial and parallel dilutions, graphically analyze experimental results, validate and maintain equipment, and statistically analyze experimental results (Empirical and Quantitative Skills).

2. Students will isolate and characterize proteins by exploiting the various molecular characteristics of these molecules such as size, charge, isoelectric point and hydrophobicity. Additionally, students will demonstrate an understanding of assay design and validation including statistical analysis, and show the importance of controls and other characteristics and parameters of assay design. (Critical Thinking skills).

3. Students will proactively demonstrate their understanding of proper laboratory procedures within a regulated environment. (Personal Responsibility).

4. Students will participate in a research project and present their results in a written assignment and an oral presentation. (Interpersonal Skills, 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.