BIO 274 - Introduction to Biotechnology

1. Competently communicate in the language of the discipline.
   1. Read critically
   2. Write effectively
   3. Listen actively
   4. Speak effectively
2. Demonstrate the ability to think critically.
   1. Integrate concepts
   2. Solve problems
   3. Draw logical conclusions
   4. Make predictions based on evidence
   5. Identify trends and patterns
   6. Distinguish between simple correlation and cause-and-effect
3. Make use of various information resources for current and continued learning purposes.
   1. Use the library to access information using a variety of computer data bases and/or indexes
   2. Distinguish between the scientific literature and general information sources
   3. Recognize the differences between various types of scientific journals
   4. Use computers for access to the Internet and to self-directed tutorials and simulations
   5. Use reference manuals specific to the discipline
   6. Use instructional compact disc, videos and/or films
4. Identify and discuss the key techniques that were critical to development of the field of biotechnology.
   1. Discuss the strategies and applications of radioactive labeling, X-ray crystallography, chromatography, centrification, and cell fractionation in molecular research.
   2. Discuss the strategies and applications of restriction enzymes, ligation, vectors, transformation, electrophoresis, Southern Blotting, and genomic libraries in biotechnology.
   3. Discuss the importance of physical and conceptual model building and the use of model organisms in molecular biology.
5. Discuss the organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes.
   1. Compare and contrast: the size and organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes  plus methods of replication, transcription, translation and RNA processing.
   2. Differentiate between transposons, junk DNA, multigene families, homeotic genes and single copy genes.
   3. Identify promoters, enhancers, introns and exons.
6. Identify key mechanisms of gene regulation in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
   1. Label the components of an operon and discuss the difference between inducible and repressible operons.
   2. List examples of transcriptional, post-transcriptional, transnational and post-transnational control of gene expression in eukaryotic systems.
7. Describe the process of cloning a gene and discuss relevant questions that can be pursued once the gene is cloned.
   1. Identify the sequential use of key techniques and the underlying chemical principles that are used when cloning a gene.
   2. Correctly apply the following techniques and their underlying concepts to the process of characterizing DNA: isolation of genomic and plasmid DNA, restriction digests, creating and screening libraries, Southern blots, dideographies-DNA sequencing, and PCR.
   3. Correctly apply the following techniques and their underlying concepts to the process of characterizing RNA: mRNA isolation techniques, Northern Blots, creating and screening cDNA libraries.
   4. Correctly apply the following techniques and their underlying concepts to the process of characterizing proteins: expression vectors, RNA processing, monoclonal antibodies & ELISA  plus protein purification via SDA-PAGE or chromatography.
   5. Identify relevant questions that can be asked of an experimental system using a cloned gene.
   6. Comparison of DNA and protein sequence
   7. Identification of homologous DNA or amino acid sequences
   8. Significance of evolutionarily conserved sequences
   9. Subcloning Experiments
   10. In vivo and in vitro expression experiments
   11. Use of transgenic systems
8. Identify the importance of model systems in research.
   1. Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of using different model systems such as: Phage, E. Coli, Arabidopsis thalinia, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces pompe, C. Elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, Sea Urchins, Xenopus genus, Zebra fish, Musmusculans.
9. Identify and discuss current advances in cell and molecular biology stemming from basic research involving DNA technology.
   1. Discuss cell signaling, signal transduction and control of the cell cycle.
   2. Discuss proto-oncogenes, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and their role in cancer.
   3. Discuss current advances in our understanding of development and immunology.
10. Identify practical applications of biotechnology.
    1. Discuss the basic biology and bioethical implications raised by the following technologies:
       1. HUGO and its current and potential impact on biotechnology, the medical field and society
       2. Recombinant DNA products and pharmaceuticals
       3. Gene therapy
       4. RFLP analysis of genetic disease
       5. DNA fingerprinting
       6. Transgenic organisms
       7. Cloning and organ tissue engineering