Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha
BIOL
Number
152
Course Title
Introduction to Biotechnology
Credits
3
Department
STEM Author Sally Irwin
Date of Outline
3/5/2010
2. Course Description:
Effective Date Spring 2011
5-year Review Date 2016
Provides an overview of the impact of biotechnology in the achievement of
contemporary objectives in the fields of medicine, ecology, food science,
and forensics. Introduces the concepts of bioethics, patenting, and
regulatory issues. Includes laboratory section with hands-on applications
in DNA and protein technologies.
Cross-list
Contact Hours/Type
3. Pre-requisites
2 hours/week lecture, 3 hours/week lab
BIOL 100, 151 or 101, ENG 100 and MATH 25 or 82 all with grade B or
better.
Pre-requisite may be waived by consent
yes
no
Co-requisites
Recommended Preparation
4. Function/Designation
AS Program
High school or college level chemistry and BIOL 151
AA EL - Environmental Awareness Lab/Course w/ Lab
Additional Category
NS - Natural Science
AAS AG and NR - Sustainable Tropical Crop Mgt.
Additional Programs and Category:
List Additional Programs and Category:
NS - Natural Science
List
______________________________________________________
______________________
Chancellor
Approval Date
Revised 6/28/2016
Course Outline, page 1
2
BAS Other
NS - Natural Science
Developmental/Remedial
List Additional Programs and Category:
Other/Additional: Explain:
See Curriculum Action Request (CAR) form for the college-wide general education student learning
outcomes (SLOs) and/or the program learning outcomes (PLOs) this course supports.
This course outline is standardized and/or the result of a community college or system-wide agreement.
Responsible committee:
5. Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): List one to four inclusive SLOs.
For assessment, link these to #7 Recommended Course Content, and #9 Recommended Course
Requirements & Evaluation. Use roman numerals (I., II., III.) to designate SLOs
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
I. Utilize basic molecular biology techniques to manipulate DNA and proteins,
including DNA fingerprinting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, immunoassays, and protein
analysis.
II. Demonstrate the proper procedures for working safely in a science lab, and be able to accurately
record data.
III. Explore current topics in biotechnology to get an overview of the field including the basic
vocabulary, research techniques and ethical questions surrounding the topic.
IV. Demonstrate an understanding of basic biological and chemical terms and concepts as they apply to
biotechnology.
6. Competencies/Concepts/Issues/Skills
For assessment, link these to #7 Recommended Course Content, and #9 Recommended Course
Requirements & Evaluation. Use lower case letters (a., b.…zz. )to designate competencies/skills/issues
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. Apply the scientific method to answering some basic questions in biotechnology.
b. Research and evaluate relevant current literature focusing on biotechnology.
c. Examine several examples of modern molecular (DNA) biology techniques and their applications in
diverse fields of study.
d. Recognize and evaluate ethical questions associated with research in biotechnology.
e. Utilize techniques for making solutions including pipetting, weighing and pHing solutions.
f. Apply examples of modern molecular (DNA) biology techniques
utilized in human genetics research to some simple laboratory experiments.
g. Demonstrate knowledge in creating and maintaining a science lab notebook.
h. Demonstrate proper safety in the lab.
7. Suggested Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #5. Student Learning Outcomes and # 6 Competencies/Skills/Issues
Week 1:
Revised 6/28/2016
Introduction to Biotechnology, the scientific method and performing scientific
literature searches. Lab safety and report writing. a,b,c,g,h II
course outline
3
Week 2:
Week 3 -4:
Cell biology basics and Mendelian genetics made simple. Micropipetting activity.
c,e.g,h IV
Chemistry basics and the central dogma of genetics. DNA structure and its
biological role. Introduction to the microscope, mitosis and meiosis.
f, g IV
Week 5-6:
Week 7-9:
DNA mutation and repair. Gene regulation. Transformation and PCR
experiments. a, e, f, g, h I, II
Human genome Project and its Applications in Medicine (gene therapy,
stem cells, cloning, small RNAs, pharmacogenomoics and ethics). Protein
isolation experiment. a,b,c, d, e, f, g, h I, II, III,IV
.
Week 10:
Biotechnology applications to Forensics and the ethical considerations. ELISA
a- h I, II, III, IV
Week 11 -12: Biotechnology and genetically modified organisms. GMO lab activity.
a- h I, II, III, IV
Week 13 -14: Biotechnology applications to energy production and other environmental
concerns. Biofuels enzyme lab. a- h I, II, III, IV
Weeks 15 - 16: Presentations. Bioinformatics activity a,b, d, III, IV
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, and Auxiliary Materials
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those currently
available in the field. Examples include: Introduction to Biotechnology, 2nd edition
Pearson Publishing, ISBN 978-0321-49145-9
Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology 2nd edition
Pearson Publishing, ISBN 978-0-321-57014-7
Appropriate reference materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those currently
available in the field. Examples include: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology 3rd edition
Published by ASM press ISBN 978-1-55581-471-7
Appropriate auxiliary materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those currently
available in the field. Examples include: Numerous websites with molecular biology activities.
Example: Dolan DNA Learning Center http://www.dnalc.org/.
9. Suggested Course Requirements and Evaluation
Linked to #5. Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and #6 Competencies/Skills/Issues
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is being offered.
Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
40% Attendance and participation, Examinations and Quizzes III, IV c,d,f,
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course outline
4
25% Course project a,b, d, e f I, II, III, IV
25% Lab activities and records a, e, f,g, h I, II
10% Article analyses b,c,d III, IV
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods will vary considerably by instructor. Specific methods are at the discretion of the
instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
Lecture, lab activities, power points, computer activities, student and guest presentations, field trips,
DVDs, textbook reading and associated homework problems, group discussions.
11. Assessment of Intended Student Learning Outcomes Standards Grid attached
12. Additional Information:
Revised 6/28/2016
course outline