Courses

An introduction to the growing field of biotechnology by pairing practical hands-on laboratory activities with career presentations by scientists and industry professionals. Basic biological concepts are covered along with discussions of careers in biomanufacturing, forensics, agriculture, biofuels, bioinformatics and drug discovery.

Career professionals in biotechnology and related fields will discuss their current bioscience programs and provide information on career opportunities and pathways. Presentations will cover basic research, new products, processes, and prospects for the future in medicine, environmental restoration, forensics, and agriculture. Implications for society and governmental regulations will also be discussed.

Introduction to mammalian cell culture and stem cell biology and techniques. Practical hands-on experience includes aseptic technique, counting cells, cell/stem cell culture maintenance, fluorescence labeling, and stem cell differentiation.

Introduction to the laboratory skills and concepts necessary to work in the biotechnology industry, allied health or other biology-related fields. This course is part of the learning community Bridge to Biosciences program.

A general overview of Food and Drug Administration regulations as they pertain to the biotechnology field. Knowledge of Current Good Laboratory Practices (cGLP) and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) is needed to work in biotechnology manufacturing and preclinical research laboratories. The course will emphasize those practices as they pertain to the biopharmaceutical industry.

An introduction to laboratory techniques needed for entry-level positions in the biotechnology industry and research laboratories. The course covers basic lab skills such as solution making, bacteria cultures, plasmid DNA and protein purification. Intended as an introductory class for the students in preparation of the more advanced biotechnology classes and/or an internship in a biotechnology lab.

Support for student interns placed in local bioscience laboratories. Provide tools to effectively communicate internship experience, present scientific concepts and network with professionals in the field. Types of internships may include, but are not limited to, basic research, biomanufacturing, quality control, environmental sciences, and food sciences.

Students will explore various careers in bioscience through online research, informational interviews and interactions with industry professionals. Students will present a summary of a chosen bioscience topic at a scientific meeting. Students will communicate and network with industry professionals, and attend professional workshops and seminars to gain career skills needed for finding internships and jobs in the biotechnology fields.

Introduction to techniques for culturing and maintaining mammalian cells, including proper use of equipment, aseptic technique, media formulation, storage, counting and subculturing of cells. Contents include proper growth conditions, cell cycle regulation, cellular responses to DNA damage, growth patterns, viability assays, transfection and an introduction to the use of fluorescent molecules in visualization of cellular structures.

Introduction to techniques for culturing mammalian cells, including media formulation, aseptic technique, freezing, thawing, subculturing, and maintaining cells. Theory includes maintaining proper growth conditions, preventing contamination, as well as cellular responses to DNA damage and gene expression. Practical experience includes the proper use and care of equipment for culturing cells and performing cell growth and viability assays.

Introduction to advanced techniques in the study of normal and mutant tissue culture cells including organelle visualization with various fluorophores, transfection with fluorescent markers, and immunostaining. In depth coverage of the theory behind and use of fluorescent microscopy and current research methods using fluorescent technology, including apoptosis assays and immunocytochemistry, DNA microarrays and FACS analysis.

A general introduction to the principles of stem cell biology. Topics include embryonic stem cells in early development, adult stem cells, and potential applications of stem cell culture and ethical issues involved in stem cell research. Current research methods involving cell differentiation and fluorescent technology will be presented. Emphasis on laboratory techniques including culture of mouse embryonic stem cells, analysis of stem cells by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.

Provides the necessary communication tools for beginning students placed in off-campus stem cell biology internships. Emphasis is put on demonstrating how their work contributes to the overall the scientific research being conducted at their internship site. Types of internships may include, but are not limited to, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, FACS analysis, primary cell culture, propagation of iPS cells, immunolocalization, microarray analysis and tumor cell characterization.

Development of complex analysis and enhanced scientific presentation skills necessary for continuing students placed in off-campus stem cell biology internships. Students will complete and present a novel research project. Types of internships may include, but are not limited to, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, FACS, cell culture, propagation of iPS cells, immunolocalization, micro array analysis and tumor cell characterization.

Underlying principles of immunoassay with focus on ELISA. Examples of ELISA techniques and applications in the pharmaceutical, environmental, biotechnology, and clinical laboratory settings will be discussed. Laboratory exercises and discussions cover qualitative and quantitative data analysis and direct, indirect, sandwich, and competitive ELISA methods.

Underlying principles of immunoassay with focus on Western blots. Discussion of applications of Western blotting techniques used in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical laboratory settings. Laboratory exercises feature hands-on exercises emphasizing all aspects of Western blotting, including running protein gels, blotting, immunodetection, and data analysis.

Introduction to the theoretical aspects and laboratory techniques of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Practical experience performing PCR as well as experimenting with optimization of the reaction. Discussion of applications of PCR used in biotechnology industry, basic science, forensics, epidemiology, diagnostics, and determination of evolutionary relationships.

The theory and practice of current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analytical methods. Laboratory experience in techniques such as multiplex PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), and real-time PCR. Experimental optimization is emphasized.

Work experience for students in the Biotechnology Program through internships in the biotechnology industry. Students do internships in local academic/government institutions and biotechnology companies. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

Skills needed to serve as a technician in the biotechnology and biomanufacturing industries. Students grow and monitor bacterial and yeast cultures that produce recombinant proteins, emulating the large-scale production used in industry. Cleaning, sterilization, aseptic inoculation, operation, and monitoring of fermenters and bioreactors. Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) will be emphasized.

An introduction to protein purification techniques including sample preparation, column chromatography, and analysis of purification. Hands on training with manual and automated chromatography systems used in industry and research laboratories. Purification analysis includes gel electrophoresis, specific activity, and mass balance calculations.

Introductory level lecture course covering basic scientific language and concepts of biology and chemistry, and the academic study skills needed to succeed in science courses. An orientation to the field of biotechnology and professional opportunities.

Concepts, techniques and applications of mathematics and elementary algebra emphasizing applications to practical problems in biotechnology and chemistry. Use of traditional problem solving methods and interactive group activities.

In-depth coverage of current recombinant DNA methods and concepts of modern genomics. Emphasis on laboratory work using techniques such as culture of bacteria, DNA and RNA purification, plasmid DNA construction, cDNA synthesis, real-time PCR, and use of software tools to analyze DNA sequences.

Introduction to the principles and techniques of molecular and cell biology and protein analysis. Emphasis on lab techniques, such as spectroscopy, preparation of cell lysates, Western blot, immunoprecipitation, enzyme assays, analysis of signal transduction, and stable transfection of mammalian cells. Design and analysis of molecular and cell biology experiments is taught.