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| 1. Description - |
| Scientific principles and techniques used in biotechnology. Use of molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology and immunology to solve problems of mankind and the environment. Current technical, ethical, social, and safety concerns presented by applications of biotechnology.
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| Prerequisite: None
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| Co-requisite: None
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| Advisory: None
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| 2. Course Objectives - |
| The student will be able to:
- define biotechnology and relate its historical significance.
- describe and apply the scientific method.
- explain the chemical and cellular nature of life.
- discuss the role of and relationship between DNA, RNA, and protein.
- describe the role of genetics, infectious agents, and environment in disease.
- defend the rationale behind therapies targeting genetic, infectious, and environmental diseases.
- describe the structure, function, and applications of antibodies.
- identify the important features that result in an effective vaccine.
- explain the steps involved in producing recombinant DNA and proteins, transgenic and cloned organisms.
- defend the rationale behind the use of recombinant DNA and proteins, transgenic and cloned organisms.
- explain the use of stem cells in therapeutic cloning.
- distinguish between and discuss the applications of DNA sequencing and fingerprinting.
- discuss the contributions of biotechnology to modern society.
- debate ethical, social, and safety issues raised by applications of biotechnology.
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| 3. Special Facilities and/or Equipment - |
| Access to computers and the Internet.
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| 4. Course Content (Body of knowledge) - |
| - Biotechnology
- definition
- history
- examples of biotechnology
- Scientific Method
- principles/steps
- applications
- limitations
- Introduction to Living Organisms
- chemical nature of life - biomolecules
- carbohydrates
- lipids
- nucleic acids (DNA, RNA)
- proteins
- cellular basis of life
- cell structure
- information flow: replication, transcription, translation
- immune system
- antigens
- antibodies
- vaccines
- Disease
- genetic diseases
- definition, specific examples
- therapeutic advances
- infectious diseases
- definition, specific examples
- therapeutic advances
- environmental diseases
- definition, specific examples
- therapeutic advances
- Tools and Techniques of Biotechnology
- recombinant DNA/proteins
- DNA analysis
- DNA sequencing and the Human Genome Project
- DNA fingerprinting and forensics
- transgenic organisms
- cloning
- gene
- therapeutic (stem cells)
- reproductive
- Applications of Biotechnology
- human health therapeutics
- recombinant proteins
- vaccines
- gene therapy
- stem cells
- agricultural applications
- environmental applications
- food applications
- Societal Concerns
- safety
- privacy
- environmental effects
- influences on the developing world
- conflicting cultural views
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| 5. Repeatability - Moved to header area. |
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| 6. Methods of Evaluation - |
| - One midterm exam - to be given online or live
- Comprehensive final exam - to be given online or live
- For each topic module, one online written assignment or quiz AND one online discussion assignment
- Mandatory participation in weekly class discussions, including assigned readings
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| 7. Representative Text(s) - |
| - Starr, Cecie, Christine Evers, and Lisa Starr. Biology: Concepts and Applications. 7th ed. Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2008.
- Thieman, William J., and Michael A. Palladino. Introduction to Biotechnology. San Francisco: Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, 2009.
- Selected readings from outside sources as appropriate.
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| 8. Disciplines - |
| Biology
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| 9. Method of Instruction - |
| Lecture, Discussion, Cooperative learning exercises, Electronic discussions/chat,
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| 10. Lab Content - |
| Not applicable.
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| 11. Honors Description - No longer used. Integrated into main description section. |
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| 12. Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing and Outside of Class Assignments - |
| - Reading Assignments
- weekly reading assignments from text and outside sources
- supplemental readings from articles relevant to course material
- supplemental readings from web searches relevant to course material
- Writing Assignments
- weekly discussions based on reading assignments and which require knowledge and integration of course material
- weekly reflective writings based on readings and discussions which require knowledge and integration of course material
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| 13. Need/Justification - |
| This course is a required core course for the AS degree in General Studies Science.
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