BIOT125 Biotechnology Methods and Techniques

Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Biotechnology

  1. Course Number and Title

    BIOT125 Biotechnology Methods and Techniques

  2. Number of Credits

    4 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    4500 minutes

  4. Prerequisites

    CHEM121 (C or better)

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    This course is an introduction to common practices and methodologies of Biotechnology. Students will get hands-on experience using and maintaining laboratory instruments. Laboratory procedures will include solution preparation, aseptic technique, protein separations and assays, DNA electrophoresis, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Lectures will support the laboratory activities.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course Learning Goals

        2. Students will be able to

        1. recognize and employ laboratory safety practices when using biological and chemical materials;
        2. prepare and manage accurate laboratory notebooks and instrument logs;
        3. operate, calibrate, and maintain standard equipment found in a biotechnology laboratory;
        4. define and perform common laboratory measurements using micropippetors and volumetric apparati;
        5. explain and perform protein detection and quantification assays;
        6. practice basic DNA procedures, including restriction digestion and gel electrophoresis.

      2. Core Learning Goals (if applicable)

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. Introduction to the Biotechnology Lab
      2. Laboratory Safety and Documentation
      3. Laboratory Measurements and Math
      4. Solution and Media Preparation
      5. Aseptic Techniques
      6. Spectrophotometry and Graphing
      7. Filtration and Centrifugation
      8. Protein Detection and Quantification
      9. DNA Digestion and Electrophoresis
      10. Polymerase Chain Reaction
      11. Student Project Presentations

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals

        2. Student progress and achievement will be assessed through lab reports, project presentations, worksheets, take-home research assignments, and in-class exams.

      2. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals (if applicable)

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      Students use educational resources as approved by the department and specified in the individual instructor's format.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Review/Approval Date - 4/09