Introduction to Biotechnology
9-4-13
Dear Parent/ Guardian and Student,
Your child is enrolled in an Introduction to Biotechnology class. Attached are the class
expectations and syllabus, which describe topics, studied during the school year. In
addition, there is a contract between the students and the teacher indicating the content
and grading procedures. I am requesting that every parent/guardian review this document
along with the lab safety procedure document with their child. Both the parent/guardian
and student shall sign this page and the student will return it too class. By signing below
you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the syllabus and the student
safety contract and commit to the course expectations.
Please contact me at school if you have any questions, (781) 477-7366 or
e-mail oconnorj@lynnschools.org.
Sincerely,
Ms. O’Connor
Date __________________________
Student signature __________________________
Parent/Guardian signature __________________________
PLEASE RETURN, pages 1 and 6, SIGNED TO TEACHER by 9-13-2013
1
Introduction to Biotechnology
9-4-13
DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SYLLABUS
2013-2014
LYNN ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL
INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY PRACTICE
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: Introduction to Biotechnology Practice
Course No.: 415
Teacher: Ms. O’Connor
Credits: 6
Prerequisite(s): Biology and Chemistry
Night Back: Wednesday
Course Description:
A course for students interested in science related careers. The course offers basic
knowledge and hands-on experience of laboratory skills used in biotechnology. Basic
skills include solution preparation, pH measurements, spectroscopy, protein analysis,
centrifugation, electrophoresis, and microbiology techniques. In addition, students
participate in basic biotechnology theory, federal regulations, procedure writing skills,
and applications of biotechnology.
Course Text:
Daugherty, E. (2012/2007). Biotechnology: Science for the New Millennium,
(Revised 1st ed). Minneapolis: Paradigm Publishing. Text, Lab Manual, and CD.
Lecture Topics:
Laboratory Techniques:














What is Biotechnology?
Raw Materials of Biotechnology
Basic Biotechnology Skills
Introduction to Studying DNA
Introduction to Studying Proteins
Identifying a Potential Biotechnology
Product
Spectrophotometers and Concentration
Assays
The Production of a Recombinant
Biotechnology Product
Bringing a Biotechnology Product to Market
Introduction to Plant Biotechnology
Biotechnology in Agriculture
Medical Biotechnologies
DNA Technologies
Biotechnology Research and Applications:
Looking Forward

















General Laboratory Safety
Laboratory Math Review
Micropipetting
Spectroscopy
Reagent Preparation
Gel Preparation
pH Measurement
Protein Analysis
Microscopy
Microbiology techniques
Aseptic techniques
Electrophoresis
PCR techniques
Cell transformation
Enzyme activity
Disinfectant Testing
Antibiotic Testing
NOTE: Course topics/objectives may change due to scheduling.
2
Introduction to Biotechnology
9-4-13
Required Materials: 3-ring binder, 1”, composition book, pens, pencils
 Name, subject, and block should be labeled on the front cover.
 Papers, worksheets, and notes should be kept in your notebook
properly labeled with name, date and block.
 You may divide binder into five sections with labeled dividers or
maintain your binder chronologically.
o Handouts
o Notes
o Homework/Classwork
o Labs & projects
o Tests, quizzes and reports
 Notebook should be organized and neat.
 Maintain extra supplies
 A lab notebook is required (composition book) for laboratory
techniques
Course Objectives:
At the completion of the course students will be able to:
 Write Standard Operating Procedures
 Differentiate protocols and standard operating procedures
 Define Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
 Identify metric system for volumes, solids, length
 Relate biotechnology advances in current events
 Illustrate biological processes involved with DNA, protein synthesis, and
purification
 Perform pH measurements
 Describe cell culturing techniques
 Relate basic immunology to biotechnology field
 Demonstrate computer skill in researching biotechnology pipelines
 Define technology involving: monoclonal antibodies, ELISA, Fluorescent
Antibody, Complement Fixation, Agglutination Techniques
 Demonstrate and perform the following laboratory techniques: bacteriological,
electrophoresis, fluorescent antibody techniques, disinfectant applications, protein
determinations, pH measurements, DNA transformation, DNA separation
Topic Sequence *
 Quarter 1 – What is Biotechnology? Raw Materials in Biotechnology, Basic Skills
of the Biotechnology Workplace, Introduction to studying DNA, Making DNA
molecules
 Quarter 2 –Introduction to Studying Proteins, Spectrophotometers and
concentration assays, Production of a recombinant product, Bringing the product
to market
 Quarter 3 – Introduction to plant biotechnology and agriculture
 Quarter 4 – PowerPoint presentations, Biotechnology in Medicine, Advanced
Biotechnology Techniques
* Topic sequence schedule is subject to change upon notice.
3
Introduction to Biotechnology
9-4-13
Policies
 Student’s that seek additional tutoring or require make-up work should see the
teacher after school or on the teacher’s assigned night back.
 No gum, food or drink is allowed in the classroom.
 Students that do not follow safe laboratory practices will not be allowed to
participate in laboratory experiments and may jeopardize their standing in the
course.
Student Responsibilities
 It is the student’s responsibility to retain course syllabus and materials for future
reference.
 Absences may adversely affect student’s grade
 It is the student’s responsibility to check for missed assignments, tests, quizzes or
labs due to absences.
 The student is responsible for maintaining a laboratory notebook.
Expectations
 Be polite, respect to teacher and students.
 Best effort, each individual should express ideas and opinions freely, perform and
complete their work with their best effort.
 Be on time for class.
 Be prepared for class with binder, pens/pencils, textbook, and completed
assignments. When a student is unprepared, additional time is taken from the class
for retrieval of pens, books, or assignments.
 Students are expected to follow the class rules to maximize student learning.
Procedures
 Homework will be assigned 4-5 nights a week. If a student is absent, it is his/her
responsibility to request and return the assignment within 2 days from the day,
which he/she returned.
 Homework should be completed and submitted on due date. Late assignments will
not receive full credit, unless prior arrangements have been made with a justified
explanation.
 Grading policies are based on quizzes, tests, projects, writing assignments, labs,
homework, mid-term, finals, and classroom behavior/participation.
4
Introduction to Biotechnology
Grading Policy
9-4-13
*1 grade = 50 points
Assignment / Assessment College Prep classes Honors classes
Homework
Classwork
Notebook
Reading Assignment
Journals
Speaking / Listening
Maps, Charts, Graphs
Labs
Collins / Writing
Quiz
Test
Quarterly Exam
Mid- term Exam
Final Exam
Performance
Research paper*
Special Projects**
2 grades
2 grades
1 grade
1 grade
2 grades
2 grades
1 grade
2 grades
1-2 grades
1 grade
2 grades
2 grades
3 grades
3 grades
2 grades
1-4 grades
1-4 grades
1 grade
1 grade
1 grade
1 grade
2 grades
2 grades
1 grade
2 grades
1-2 grades
1 grade
2 grades
2 grades
4 grades
4 grades
2 grades
1-4 grades
1-4 grades
*Research paper value is determined by the department’s discretion.
**Special Project value is determined at the teacher’s discretion.
Late assignments or lack of classroom participation will be subject to a decrease in points.
How points and/or percentages equate to quarterly/final grade.
100-95
A
89-87
B+
79-77
C+
69-67
D+
94-90
A-
86-83
B
76-73
C
66-63
D
82-80
B-
72-70
C-
62-60
D-
<60
F
5
Introduction to Biotechnology
9-4-13
Lab Safety Agreement
In order to vary teaching techniques so that all students can learn we will often perform
labs and experiments in the classroom. It is necessary to alert you to possible hazards as
well as laboratory safety requirements. All of the chemicals we will use in class are safe
if handled properly. We will always use as little of a chemical as possible. Utmost
precautions must be taken around open flames as well, such as tying up longer hair. Lab
safety rules are for the benefit of the student and others in the classroom. It is vital that
there is student cooperation with them. Lab Safety rules are as follows:
 Teacher instructions must be obeyed immediately and completely.
 Lab safety glasses will be worn at all times in which chemicals or flames are
present in the room.
 Students will use equipment as instructed; they must remain at their table with
their equipment.
 Students must conduct themselves in a responsible manner at all times in a lab
setting, this includes not distracting others from their work, keeping voices low
and not wandering around the room.
 All equipment must be properly cleaned and maintained before putting it away.
 Students must thoroughly clean up the work area before leaving the classroom.
Failure to follow the above rules may result in immediate removal from class without
warning; the student may receive a zero on the lab; the student may not be allowed to
return until a plan is developed; or the parents may need to be notified. Repeated
offenses may result in the student not being allowed to participate in labs.
Students will not be allowed to participate in experiments until this agreement has been
signed and returned.
I have read and understand the above rules and consequences.
Student signature ____________________________
Date
______________
6