BTEC

Adv. Stem Cell Intern Support

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.

Briefings in Biotechnology

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.

Bioreactor Technology

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.

Mammalian Cell Culture

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.

Stem Cell Technology

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.

Mol and Cell Biotechnology

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.

GLP and GMP Principles

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.