The student will explore the field of biotechnology in a comprehensive overview. Course topics will include ethics, current trends in biotechnology careers and research through demonstrations, seminars, and field-trips. The student will prepare media and solutions, use calculations required for solution preparation, and use equipment for solution preparation such as the analytical balance, pH meter, and autoclave. The student will discuss the nonspecific and specific immune systems of the human organism.
Students become familiar with recombinant DNA techniques and gene expression.
Students work with genomic and plasmid DNA, create a genomic library, transfer, select for, identify, characterize, amplify, and purify genes. Experience with electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, Southern hybridization, and bioinformatics will be included. This continuation of BIOT 2816 will include protein purification, immunochemistry, and tissue culturing. Students will partially purify enzymes and then assay the resulting purified product. Establishment and maintenance of cell lines is required, emphasizing aseptic technique.