Biotechnology 355
Molecular Biotechnology
California State University-San Marcos
Instructor: Bianca R. Mothé, Ph.D.- Lecture / Christopher Solomon.- Lab
Semester: Fall 2008
Lecture: 10:00-11:15 Mon & Wed
Lec Location: ACD Room 315
Lab: M 1- 3:45
Lab Location: Sci 1 Room 316
Office: Sci 1 Room 317A
Tel: 750-4637
Hours: Wednesdays 1:00-2:30 or by appointment
E-mail: bmothe@csusm.edu
Course website:
http://courses.csusm.edu/biol355bm/
Required Textbook: Molecular Biotechnology by Bernard R. Glick and Jack J. Pasternak, Third Edition
(2003) ASM Press. Chapters from the assigned text should be read BEFORE the scheduled class.
Optional Textbook: Bioevolution: How Biotechnology is Changing our World by M. Fumento (2003)
Encounter Books.
Course Description: An overview of molecular biotechnology is presented using theoretical and practical
aspects of specific technologies. Included in lecture and laboratory instruction are the prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cell physiology, culturing cells, genetic engineering and expression systems, separation
technology, nucleic acid purification, and in vitro amplification. Three hours lecture and three hours
laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 210.
Course Objectives:
 Understand theoretical aspects of biotechnology applications - from research to marketing
 Explore practical aspects of taking a product from research to the clinic.
 Address specific technologies that are changing biotechnology.
 Explore different facets of the biopharmaceutical industry, including research, manufacturing,
clinical, project management and intellectual property.
 Understand ethical implications of biotechnology.
Grading policy:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3 -Final Exam
Lab
Oral presentation
3 Quizzes
Total
100 pts
100 pts
150 pts
300 pts
75 pts
75 pts (25 pts per quiz)
800 pts
1
Final grade assignments:
A = 93-100%
C+ = 77-79%
A- = 90-92%
C = 73-76%
B+ = 87-89%
C- = 70-72%
B = 83-86%
D = 60-69%
B- = 80-82%
F = < 60%
Exams: Exams will emphasize new material, but may cover any information presented. Exams will
consist of both multiple choice and short answer/essay questions. Exams 1 and 2 will be given in class.
Make-up exams must be arranged prior to the scheduled exam period. The final examination may not be
changed unless approved by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. No make-up final examination
will be given except for reasons of illness or other verified emergencies.
Oral presentations
In groups of four, you will present specific topics we will provide to you. For each topic, you will prepare
a 20 minute presentation highlighting the main issues related to that topic. Most of the topics will be
controversial, so you must cover the technology and then present “both sides of the story.” You will also
prepare a handout in outline form of your presentation for the other students. You will be evaluated by the
instructor and your peers. Evaluation includes: content, organization, presentation style and audiovisual.
All members of the groups must contribute equally in both the preparation and presentation.
Quizzes: will be un-scheduled (i.e. pop quizzes).
Communication: Please activate and check your Cal State San Marcos email address as any updates will
be emailed to you.
Plagiarism policy: Any evidence of cheating (including plagiarism, i.e. presenting the words or ideas of
others as your own) will result in a failing grade for that assignment and possibly a failing grade for the
semester for the course. Please see me if you have any questions about what exactly constitutes
plagiarism.
Schedule of material to be covered in lectures and exams
DATE
Week 1
Aug 25
TOPICS AND CHAPTERS
Aug 29
Fundamentals of Molecular Biotechnology
Overview of Molecular Biotechnology; Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Molecular
Biotechnology
Nova Special Video
Week 2
Sep 01
Sep 03
Fundamentals of Molecular Biotechnology Continued
No class: Labor Day
Guest lecture: Dr. Matthew Escobor; plant biotechnology
Week 3
Sep 08
Sep 10
Fundamentals of Molecular Biotechnology Continued
Chapter 2: Biological Systems
Chapter 3: DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis
2
Week 4
Sep 15
Sep 17
Fundamentals of Molecular Biotechnology Continued
Chapter 5: Sequencing and Amplification of DNA
Chapter 6: Manipulation of Gene Expression in Prokaryotes
Week 5
Sep 22
Sep 24
Fundamentals of Molecular Biotechnology Continued
Chapter 7: DNA Cloning Continued and Protein Expression
Chapter 8: Protein Engineering
Week 6
Sept 29
Oct 1
Molecular Biotechnology of Microbial Systems
EXAM 1: Chapters 1-8 ; Guest lecture
Chapter 9: Molecular Diagnostics
Week 7
Oct 6
Oct 8
Molecular Biotechnology of Microbial Systems Continued
Chapter 10: Therapeutic Agents
Group Presentations
Week 8
Oct 13
Oct 15
Molecular Biotechnology of Microbial Systems Continued
Chapter 11: Vaccines
Chapter 11: Vaccines
Week 9
Oct 20
Oct 22
Eukaryotic Systems
Chapter 19: Transgenic Animals
Review
Week 10
Oct 27
Oct 29
Eukaryotic Systems Continued
EXAM 2 (Chapters 9-12)
Chapter 19: Transgenic Animals cont
Week 11
Nov 03
Nov 05
Eukaryotic Systems Continued
Chapter 19: Transgenic Animals
Group Presentations
Week 12
Nov 10
Nov 12
Eukaryotic Systems Continued
Chapter 20: Human Molecular Genetics
Chapter 20: Human Molecular Genetics
Week 13
Nov 17
Nov 19
Regulating and Patenting Molecular Biotechnology
Chapter 21: Regulating the Use of Biotechnology
Group work
Week 14
Nov 24
Nov 26
Regulating and Patenting Molecular Biotechnology
Chapter 21: Regulating the Use of Biotechnology
Chapter 22: Patenting Biotechnology Inventions
Week 15
Regulating and Patenting Molecular Biotechnology
3
Dec 01
Dec 03
Week 16
Dec 8:
09:15-11:15
Chapter 22: Patenting Biotechnology Inventions
Group Presentations
EXAM 3 (Chapters 19-22) (2/3) and cumulative material from remainder of the
semester (1/3)
4