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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.