Las Positas College
3033 Collier Canyon Road
Livermore, CA 94551-7650
(925) 373-5800
(925) 443-0742 (Fax)
Course Outline for Biotechnology 1
INTRODUCTORY BIOTECHNOLOGY METHODS
I.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
BIOT 1 — INTRODUCTORY BIOTECHNOLOGY METHODS — 5 units
Introductory Biotechnology Methods includes current basic theory and laboratory skills used in
modern biology laboratories. Lectures cover concepts such as DNA structure, function and
manipulations, basic protein biochemistry, sterile technique, solution production, record keeping,
report writing, and bioethics. The laboratory illustrates lecture topics through media production, cell
culture, transformations, and gel preparation, use and documentation. Prerequisites: Biology 31 and
Chemistry 30B (completed with a grade of "C" or higher). 3 hours lecture, 6 hours laboratory.
II.
NUMBER OF TIMES COURSE MAY BE TAKEN FOR CREDIT: One
III.
PREREQUISITE AND/OR ADVISORY SKILLS:
Before entering this course the student should have skills from Biology 31 and Chemistry 30B
Prerequisite skills from Biology 31
A.
Use the scientific method to solve problems
B.
Use a microscope and prepare wet mounts
C.
Take measurements and make conversions using the metric system
D.
Collect data, make and interpret graphs
E.
Explain diffusion, osmosis, osmotic pressure, and dialysis
F.
Describe the structure of a prokaryote and eucaryotic cell
G.
Cite the function of the organelles in a eucaryotic cell
H.
Describe the structure of atoms
I.
Define pH, acids, bases, buffers, isotopes, molecules and compounds
J.
Write chemical formulas
K.
Be familiar with the structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids
L.
Describe the stages of mitosis and meiosis
M.
Solve simple genetic problems
N.
Write scientific names
O.
Define aerobic and anaerobic respiration
Prerequisite skills from Chemistry 30B
A.
Describe the physical and chemical properties for organic functional groups
B.
Name organic compounds with the IUPAC system or with common names
C.
Describe the structure and properties of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
D.
Describe the factors affecting fluids and electrolytes in physiological systems
E.
Perform laboratory experiments in an efficient, safe and purposeful manner
IV.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
A.
B.
C.
explain molecular biology and biotechnology concepts, methods and issues;
perform basic biology and biotechnology laboratory procedures, such as media preparation
and electrophoresis;
use common laboratory equipment, such as balances and micropipettes;
Course Outline for Biotechnology 1
INTRODUCTORY BIOTECHNOLOGY METHODS
D.
E.
F.
V.
Page 2
document experimental procedures and results, explain them to other lab personnel and
trouble-shoot problems;
demonstrate the ability to work in teams;
demonstrate the ability to multitask in the lab.
CONTENT:
A.
Lecture
1.
Cell and molecular biology
a.
Biologically important molecules
b.
Cell structure and function
i.
Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic
ii.
Mitosis, Meiosis and Cell Division
c.
DNA -> RNA -> Protein
i.
DNA Structure
ii.
Replication
iii.
Transcription
iv.
Translation
v.
Gene Expression
d.
RNA structure and function
e.
Protein structure and function
f.
Chromosome structure
2.
Genetics
a.
Bacterial genetics
b.
Sexual reproduction
c.
Mendelian genetics
d.
Pedigrees
e.
Human Genetics
3.
DNA technologies and their applications
a.
Restriction enzymes and ligations
b.
PCR
c.
Vectors, transformation and gene cloning
d.
Control of gene expression
e.
Protein expression in bacteria and mammalian cultures
f.
Large scale protein production
g.
Gene mapping
h.
DNA sequencing
i.
Gene libraries
j.
Bioinformatics
k.
Molecular diagnostics
l.
Human gene therapy
4.
Ethical, legal and social issues in biotechnology
B.
Lab
1.
Use of the following equipment:
a.
Autoclave
b.
Balances
c.
Micropipettes
d.
Centrifuges
e.
Light microscope
f.
Electrophoresis equipment
g.
Hemocytometer
h.
Spectrophotometer
i.
Sterile hood
2.
Use of the following techniques:
a.
Making solutions
b.
Serial dilution
c.
Sterile technique
Course Outline for Biotechnology 1
INTRODUCTORY BIOTECHNOLOGY METHODS
3.
4.
Page 3
d.
Media production, including autoclave & filtration sterilization
e.
Inoculation technique
f.
Bacterial cell culture
g.
DNA extraction
h.
Agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
i.
DNA size determination
j.
Determination of bacterial cell culture density
k.
Restriction digests, ligations, transformations
l.
Long-term storage of cells
m.
Searching bioinformatics databases
Documentation:
a.
Lab notebook
b.
Gel photography
c.
Word-processing, spreadsheet, and graphing software
d.
Standard Operating Protocols
e.
Storage and inventory protocols
f.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Professional Skills:
a.
Lab safety
b.
Record keeping
c.
Data presentation
d.
Troubleshooting
e.
Professional behavior
f.
Teamwork
g.
Performance review
h.
Ethics in the workplace
VI.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
A.
Lecture and discussion
B.
Laboratory
C.
Audio-visual presentation
D.
Guest presentations when available/feasible
VII.
TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS:
A.
Lecture
1.
Read textbook and discuss theory and ethical considerations of lecture topic. Example:
Read and discuss the chapter on DNA analysis and its applications, such as gel
electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the Human
Genome Project.
B.
Lab
1.
Read laboratory exercise and write organization plan before class. Perform lab
exercise. Document every procedure. Write lab report. Present lab work to lab team
and instructor. Trouble-shoot unexpected results within lab team.
a.
Example 1: Bacterial culture maintenance lab: Make media, pour nutrient agar
plates, streak pure bacterial culture onto several plates, incubate, identify
bacteria, write lab report, and discuss results with other students and instructor.
Add important points from discussion to lab report.
b.
Example 2: Present results of bacterial cell counts based on counting chamber
and spectrophotometer. Compare results with those presented by other
students. Discuss results. Brainstorm for explanation of differences in results.
Tactfully resolve differences in results. Compliment best presentation.
2.
Homework: Read chapter on methods and do problem set at end of chapter.
a.
Example: Read chapter on the collection of meaningful data and avoiding errors
in the laboratory. Do all practice problems.
Course Outline for Biotechnology 1
INTRODUCTORY BIOTECHNOLOGY METHODS
Page 4
VIII.
EVALUATION:
A.
Lecture
1.
Quizzes and/or midterms:
a.
Typical multiple-choice question
The anticodon for the DNA triplet AGT would be _________
i.
AGU
ii.
AGT
iii.
UCA
iv.
TGT
v.
None of the above.
2.
Final examination
B.
Lab
1.
Weekly lab meetings
2.
Quizzes:
a.
Typical question
A college teacher conducted a study to see whether weekly review sessions are
helpful to students. Two groups of students were formed: One attended weekly
review sessions, the other did not. The groups were chosen voluntarily, a student
could choose to be in either group.* Critically analyze this method of selecting
groups.
3.
Oral presentations
a.
Typical oral presentation
Lab partners present lab on bacterial culture. Generally describe source,
references, equipment and type of media used in preparation for bacterial culture.
Present data in graphical form. Describe method of collecting and analyzing
data. Explain importance of contribution of each member of the team.
4.
Poster presentation
5.
Laboratory reports
6.
Laboratory practicums
IX.
TYPICAL TEXTS:
A.
Lecture texts
1.
Bourgaize D, Jewell TR, Buisser RG. Biotechnology: Demystifying the Concepts.
Addison Wesley Longman, Inc. under the Benjamin/Cummings imprint, 2000.
2.
Lodish, Baltimore, Berk. Molecular Cell Biology, 3rd ed. W.H. Freeman, 1995.
3.
Micklos, DA. DNA Science. A First Course in Recombinant DNA Technology. 1999.
B.
Lab Exercises
1.
Becker, Caldwell, Zachgo. Biotechnology - A Laboratory Course, 2nd. Ed. Academic
Press, 1996.
2.
Bloom, Freyer, Micklos. Laboratory DNA Science. Benjamin Cummings, 1995.
3.
Central Coast Biotechnology Center. Website with community college lab protocols.
http://www.ventura.cc.ca.us/depts/biotech/
4.
Micklos DA, Freyer GA. DNA Science. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. 1990.
5.
Northern California Biotechnology Center. Website with community college lab
protocols. http://biotech.org
6.
Seidman LA, Moore CJ. Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology. Prentice Hall,
1999.
7.
Winfrey, MR, Rott, MA, Wortman AT. Unraveling DNA: Molecular Biology for the
Laboratory. Prentice Hall, 1997.
8.
Wolf, Jim. California Lutheran University's Enriched Science (CLUES) Program
Biotechnology Outreach Initiative. California Lutheran University. 60 W. Olsen Rd.
#3700, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360-2787.
X.
OTHER MATERIALS REQUIRED OF STUDENTS:
A.
Lab coat, disposable gloves, goggles, calculator, lab notebooks specified by instructor
B.
*Seidman LA, Moore CJ. Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology. Prentice-Hall. p. 222.
Course Outline for Biotechnology 1
INTRODUCTORY BIOTECHNOLOGY METHODS
Creation Date:
Revision Date:
biot1
8/00
Page 5