BSC 680
Special Topics in Cell Biology and Biotechnology
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. J. Valluri
Science Hall 370
Phone 696-2409 or leave message on Audix
E-mail:valluri@marshall.edu
This course is designed to allow in-depth exploration of one of a variety of
topics of current interest in the field. The general topic will be designated by
the instructor. A variety of formats may be used, including lecture,
presentations, papers, and discussion.
Course Objectives: In this course, we will explore the fundamental issues
of biotechnology. What is biotechnology and how did it come about? How is
biotechnology done and how is it being used today? What are the
consequences of biotechnology applications to the lives of humans and other
animals, plants, and to the environment? Students will learn techniques of
recombinant DNA technology, develop an understanding of biotechnology
industry product development, and examine ethical issues concerning
biotechnology.
Lecture Notes and Readings: There is no required text for this course,
however, all lecture notes and links to readings, assignments, and
biotechnology companies will be posted on my website. Web notes, readings
and assignments will be available the Saturday before the next week's
lecture. I ask you to come prepared to class ready to participate, ask
questions and offer comments. We will invite speakers from area
biotechnology companies or from other departments at Marshall University.
Quizzes: Following each main topic there will be a quiz. The quiz dates will
be announced to allow for adequate preparation. The quiz may vary in
format and may include both multiple choice and short answer questions.
Quizzes may not be made up for any reason; however, the lowest quiz grade
will be dropped.
Project: You will be each assigned a research topic (i.e., a biotechnology
product, drug or a process) which you must present to the class. The date
for each presentation will be announced in advance to allow for adequate
preparation. All presentations must be in PowerPoint format and must not
exceed 15 minutes. In addition, you must each submit a written report of
your presentation.
Attendance: Student attendance and participation will be required.
Punctual attendance to lectures will be considered in the final grade.
Grades: Your grade will be calculated as follows:
Quizzes:
Project:
Final Exam
50%
25%
25%
The final exam will be cumulative and will be given on Dec 11 at 12:45 PM.
Your final grade in the class will be measured as follows:
A:
B:
C:
D:
F:
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-70
Below 60
The last date to drop this class with a “W” is Oct 30.
BSC 680 Syllabus
Introduction to Biotechnology
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The Roots of DNA Research
The Double Helix
DNA in Action
Overview of Key Issues in Biotechnology
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Methods in DNA Technology
Health Care Applications: The Product Pipeline and Clinical Trials
Human Proteins from DNA Technology
Monoclonal Antibody drugs on the market
Drug Delivery
Gene Therapy
Food and Agriculture
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GM Crop Biotechnology
GM Food Biotechnology
Animal Biotechnology: Cloning livestock
Ag Bitoech products on the market
Bioethics and Concerns of rDNA products:
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Asilomar and Recombinant DNA technology
Embryonic Stem Cell
Therapeutic cloning
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) 2007
Social Responsibility of Biotechnology
Genome Gateway
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The Human Genome Project
Comparitive Genomics - 'of Mice (orangutans, honeybees, opossums)
and Men'
Genomics, Proteomics, and other 'Omics
Investing in Biotechnology
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Gene Patenting
Patents and Intellectual Property (IP)
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Biotechnology Stock Project
CHAPTER 1
The Roots of DNA Research
CHAPTER 2
The Double Helix
CHAPTER 3
DNA in Action
CHAPTER 4
Introduction to Biotechnology
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
Human Proteins from DNA Technology
CHAPTER 7
Identifying Genetic Diseases
CHAPTER 8
Gene Therapy
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
Medical Forensics - DNA Sleuthing
The Human Genome Project