Biotechnology (BT)

This lecture/laboratory-based course provides a systematic introduction to essential skills and applied theories pertinent to the training needs of biotechnologists. Topics to be covered include Safety, Quality Control, Lab Organization, GMPs/SOP Documentation, Regulatory Requirements in the Biotechnology Laboratory, Measurements & Math in the Laboratory, Data Analysis, Agarose & Polyacrylamide Gel Preparation, Solutions & Buffer Composition, Media Prep, & Isolating Bacteria. Course Topics will complement BT310, which will be taken concurrently with BT303.

The course will cover the principles and theory of how biotechnology is applied in academia and industry. Specific topics to be covered include: Pharmaceutical industry, Biotechnology industry, Medical Diagnostics, Energy (Biofuels), Fermentation, Biopharmaceutical Bioprocessing, Vaccine Development, Environmental Remediation, Agriculture, Forensics, Biotech Marketing, Biotech Patent Law, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Product Development, and Academic Research. Students will participate in group discussions with invited experts in various biotech industries. Students will practice scientific communication of biotechnology applications as it applies to these topics and concepts via literature research and oral presentation.

Discussion, demonstration and practice of basic molecular techniques including DNA/RNA isolation, restriction digest, gel electrophoresis and blotting techniques. Lecture and laboratory. Co-requisite: BT 303/503

This lecture and laboratory-based course offers training for in-vitro cell culture and molecular biological expression systems commonly used in biotechnology. Topics include routine cell culture maintenance, media preparation, growth and viral expression system procedures and troubleshooting common culture problems. Lab includes using multiple cell expression systems, such as bacterial, yeast, insect, viral and mammalian cell lines in order to perform culture techniques. In addition, techniques to analyze cell phenotype and function (immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence) will be performed.

This course will cover the principles of product development and management in biotechnology with a focus on medical products and services. All products undergo a product life-cycle from concept to marketplace. Students learn about the steps needed to develop and manufacture/provide a product/service with all the necessary regulatory mechanisms for the marketplace. Concepts covered include market analysis, feasibility testing, validation testing, the development of a quality management system, and the FDA approval process using good laboratory, clinical, and manufacturing practices.

The course will cover the principles and theory of human genetics. Specific topics to be covered include: introduction of human genetics, the genome structure and maintenance; review of DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein synthesis; transmission of genes and genetic traits; population genetics; the role of genetics in immunity and cancer; applications of genome sequencing, diagnostic technology, and therapeutic technology; and the practice of the scientific communication of human genetic concepts via literature research and oral presentation.

The course will cover the principles and theory of recombinant DNA techniques and applications in prokaryotes, microbial eukaryotes, and plants. Specific topics to be covered include: methodology of gene manipulation; gene expression and its regulation in prokaryotes; protein technology; molecular diagnostics; microbial production of therapeutic agents; microbial vaccines; product technology and recombinant microorganisms; microbial infectious diseases; genetic engineering of plants: methodology and applications; transgenic animals; the practice of the scientific method through oral and written presentation.

This course will introduce students to the concepts of computer based molecular modeling, genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics and their applications in research and diagnostics. Course will utilize lectures, demonstrations, and practice in the principles of computer based molecular modeling and genetic analysis.

Laboratory course introducing the student to clinical/diagnostic applications of molecular and biochemical techniques. Laboratory sessions include discussion, demonstration and hands on practice of: isolation of nucleic acids from biological samples, use of hybridization based assays in diagnostic procedures, preparation of probes, clinical application of PCR and RT-PCR, Western blot analyses, protein truncation test, electrophoretic and microarray analysis of genetic polymorphisms; next gen sequencing and proteomics utilization in diagnosis/prognoses determination of disease. An emphasis will be placed on students learning to follow procedures from the literature. Lecture content will provide students with an introduction to the theory and standards of practice of the molecular diagnostic laboratories as well as molecular pathology as it pertains to the development of diagnostic tests

Course covers current methods and theories pertaining to fractionation and purification of proteins from cellular and recombinant sources; including ion exchange, affinity, and size-exclusion based methods. Methods of protein analysis are also discussed including various spectroscopic methods: NMR, fluorescence, mass-spectroscopy, and circular dichroism. Current topics in proteomics are discussed including methods for understanding protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions are covered. Applications in clinical, research and pharmaceutical areas will be discussed. Course will haveboth lecture and hands-on components

Practical Internships in a variety of biotechnology laboratory settings. Students participate in all phases of laboratory functions.

Comprehensive examination taken before completion of the Biotechnology Program