Kamehameha Schools Maui High School
Hawaiian leaders prepared for college and a global society
Intro to Biotechnology - Course Syllabus
1 Credit / Meets Daily (Block 3/ Block 4) Fall Semester 2013
Malia L. Panglao
mapangla@ksbe.edu
573-7232
Konia 0117
office hours: Tues., Th., Fri. 2:30-3:30
https://blogs.ksbe.edu/mapangla
Prerequisites:
Biology and Chemistry. This course is required for Health Services Endorsement or may be
taken as an Academy Enhancement Elective.
Course focus and justification:
This is an intermediate-level course that introduces students to the rapidly growing field of
biotechnology. In the course students will have the chance to learn about this exciting field, new
product development and contributions of biotechnology to society. They will also explore
several bioethical issues and controversies surrounding the field. In addition, students will
conduct several biotechnology labs and become comfortable with lab protocols and procedures in
biotechnology.
General course description:
This course explores the field of biotechnology including the latest advances in the field. The
study of cells, DNA, and proteins will be covered and applied in order for students to understand
their relevance to biotechnology today. Basic lab skills (lab apparatus ID, pipetting, lab safety
and protocols) along with advanced techniques (PCR, transformation, gel electrophoresis, protein
assays) will be covered. This course is considered college-prep; students successfully completing
the course should have an easy transition into introductory and intermediate college courses in
Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Genetics. The course has a strong laboratory
component with students participating in labs at least 2 days each week. There will be a lot of
reading in the course; students are expected to come to class having read the assignment
especially on lab days. There will be pre-lab quizzes to ensure students are prepared for
laboratory, in addition to tests, the midterm, and final. In addition, two lab reports will be due per
quarter.
Major texts, literature, resources, and materials needed:
Biotechnology, Science for the new Millenium, 2012, by Ellyn Daugherty, Paradigm Publishing
BioRad® Laboratory Kits
Materials:
 a notebook* (preferably composition tablet) specifically for this class.
*loose work that’s not in a notebook won’t be graded (unless a project)
 Pen or pencil, white-out or eraser, calculator.
 Extra paper or notebook for notes (please don’t take notes in ‘work’ notebook).
 suggested - 2” binder with dividers for labs and to keep tests and handouts organized.
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Kamehameha Schools Maui High School
Hawaiian leaders prepared for college and a global society
Student Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will have the following skills, knowledge, and abilities
Unit 1: Intro to Biotech & Standard Laboratory Operating Procedures
o define biotechnology and related terms
o identify the increasing variety of biotech products
o understand how potential products are selected
o apply scientific methodology to biotech research
o become familiar with careers in biotech
o explore bioethics
o review organisms and cells
o survey biochemistry and molecules of cells
o describe recombinant DNA and protein synthesis
o become versed in and practice basic skills in the biotech laboratory
o review DNA structure and function
o become familiar with sources of DNA and its isolation
o study DNA using gel electrophoresis
o examine protein structure and function as well as transcription and
translation
o describe and observe enzyme activity
o become familiar with applications of protein analysis
Unit 2: Manufacturing Recombinant DNA
o
o
o
o
o
o
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review sources of products (rainforest, herbal remedies, antibiotics,
antiseptics)
become familiar with product assays
work with a spectrophotometer and learn about it’s applications to biotech
become familiar with pH in the biotech lab and making buffers
explore steps to genetic engineering
become familiar with and practice bacterial transformation
describe fermentation and bacterial and mammalian cell culture in biotech
Unit 3: Advanced DNA and protein studies
o
o
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describe DNA synthesis and its application
become familiar with PCR and its application
learn about DNA sequencing and its application
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Kamehameha Schools Maui High School
Hawaiian leaders prepared for college and a global society
Course Outline
The following is a tentative outline and sequence and is subject to fluctuate due to school
schedule, holidays, and/or additional or less time needed
months
Unit
Activities/chapters covered
August-September
1: Intro to Biotech & Standard chapter activities (1-5)
Intro to Biotech
Laboratory Operating
Safety
Procedures
Protein Chemistry Labs
Microbes
&
Health
Lab
Electrophoresis Lab
unit test
September-November
2: Manufacturing Recombinant chapter activities (6-8)
Biofuel Enzyme Lab
DNA
Secrets of the Rainforest Lab
ELISA lab
Bacterial Transformation Lab
Green Fluorescent Protein Lab
midterm
November-December
3: Advanced DNA and Protein chapter activities (13-14)
Crime Scene Investigator (PCR)
Studies
lab
GMO Investigator Lab
final
Grading:

Grades will be on a points & percentage system. Points will be given for daily work, homework,
and participation as well as for labs, quizzes, tests, midterm, and final exam.
 Grades are weighted as follows:
o classwork, homework, reflections, participation, Thinking Like a Biotechnician,
Biotech Live, Bioethics Activities (in tablet): 35%
o Laboratory Activities, Protocol (participation, behavior and technique), Lab
worksheets and reports (in binder): 30%
o quizzes, midterm, and final: 35%
 Grading scale:
o A 93-100%
A- 90-92%
o B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
o C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
o D+ 67-69%
D 63-66%
D- 60-62%
o F below 59%
Semester grades will be an average between the two quarters.
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Kamehameha Schools Maui High School
Hawaiian leaders prepared for college and a global society
Attendance, participation, and work make-up policy:
This course is group and laboratory-centered; especially for labs it is imperative that you work
together. Flexible grouping will be done to ensure that you all have a chance to work together
and foster the sense of ‘ohana. You are expected to fully participate in class with a good attitude.
Remember you elected to take this course, it is required for your academy and will be useful to
you in your future career.
You are expected to attend class regularly and be responsible for any assignments, notes, projects,
or activities you may have missed during an excused absence. You are also responsible, if you
have to miss school for a legitimate reason, to email the teacher as soon as you can in order to get
missed work so you do not fall behind. This course meets daily, is fast paced and packed with
activities and laboratory experiences…missing one day without making it up could hurt your
grade. In addition missed labs will be very difficult to make up due to product availability and
shelf life and the expense of the components. Usually missed lab days will need to be made up
with an essay. Missed quizzes or tests must be made up as soon as you get back to school, not at
your earliest convenience. No make-up work will be accepted due to an unexcused absence or
suspension from school; in addition you may not make up a quiz or test due to these reasons.
Late homework or classwork will not be accepted; late lab packets or reports may be accepted up
to three days late, with 5 points off per day late. After the 4th day late the work will not be
accepted.
Expected classroom behaviors:
 Come to class on time, ready to work, prepared with your materials.
 Respect yourself, your teacher, and your classmates.
 Treat supplies provided to you with care – remember you are privileged to have such
learning materials available for you and with that privilege comes kuleana.
 Follow all KS rules, policies, and procedures.
 Remember who you represent and why you are here.
 Silence cellphones and put them away during class.
 Use technology, such as laptops, appropriately.
 You may eat in class, at desks only, and be sure to clean up after yourself.
Other information:
If you require any special accommodations, need any special assistance, or have any allergies or
medical conditions, please inform the teacher as soon as possible.
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Kamehameha Schools Maui High School
Hawaiian leaders prepared for college and a global society
please return this sheet to Mrs. Panglao – also, please don’t hesitate to attach a letter or note, or
contact Mrs. Panglao, if you need clarification or assistance on anything in this syllabus or related
to the course. Mahalo
I have read Mrs. Panglao’s Intro to Biotechnology Syllabus and am aware of what’s expected in class this
year.
___________________________________
print parent/guardians name
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parent/guardian signature & date
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student’s signature and date
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