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.
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.
Principles of visually communicating engineering designs. Topics include technical sketching, technical drawing, engineering graphics and design; 3-D visualization with orthographic projection; dimensioning and tolerancing practices; computer aided drafting/design (CAD) software; graphical analytical methods of solutions to three-dimensional problems. Assignments develop sketching and 2-D and 3-D CAD skills. The use of CAD software is an integral part of this course.
A project-oriented, hands-on course to introduce students to the practices and methodologies used in Engineering and Technology. Areas of focus are electronics, mechanical construction/fabrication and technical mathematics.
An examination of the scientific evidence informing our understanding of the causes and consequences of human impacts on the environment. Application of core principles, methods, qualitative and quantitative reasoning from the natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering and technology to investigate and evaluate sustainable solutions to environmental degradation and resource depletion.
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.
A first course in engineering mechanics: properties of forces, moments, couples and resultants; two- and three-dimensional force systems acting on engineering structures in equilibrium; analysis of trusses, and beams; distributed forces, shear and bending moment diagrams, center of gravity, centroids, friction, and area and mass moments of inertia.
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.