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  • 1.00 - 4.00 Credits

    For Biology majors who wish to write a scientific paper of publishable quality that details an extended individual research project planned and carried out by the student under faculty supervision, approved by a committee of at least two faculty members and the department chair. Usually, a semester or two of independent research (BIOL 4810, BIOL 4820, and/or BIOL 4830) will precede registration for the senior thesis. Students will be expected to present oral and written reports of experimental results. Final draft of the thesis will be due two weeks before the beginning of final exams. No more than 4 credits in any combination of internship, independent research, independent study, and senior thesis can count toward Biology degree requirements. Permission of the Biology Department Chair is required. Variable credit: 1 - 4. Repeatable up to 4 credits subject to graduation and program restrictions. Offered based upon sufficient student need. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the correct use of the necessary tools and techniques needed to complete a research project. 2. Produce a paper suitable for publication at the end of the project. 3. Demonstrate independent learning of new technologies and concepts in order to complete the project. 4. Synthesize and analyze information from a variety of sources. 5. Produce independent scholarly work of professional or near professional quality in their field. Prerequisites: BIOL 3110 (can be concurrently enrolled), and Senior standing; and Instructor permission.
  • 0.50 - 3.00 Credits

    For students wishing instruction that is not available through other regularly scheduled courses in this discipline. Occasionally, students request some type of non-traditional instruction, or an unanticipated opportunity for instruction presents itself. This seminar course provides a variable-credit context for these purposes. As requirements, this seminar course must first be pre-approved by the department chair; second, it must provide at least nine contact hours of lab or lecture for each credit hour offered; and third, it must include some academic project or paper (i.e., credit is not given for attendance alone). This course may include standard lectures, travel and field trips, guest speakers, laboratory exercises, or other non-traditional instruction methods. Note that this course is an elective and does not fulfill general education or program requirements. Variable credit: 1.0 - 3.0. Repeatable as topics vary. No more than six credits will count toward degree requirement. Offered based upon sufficient student need. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will: 1. Discuss issues associated with selected scientific topics. 2. Demonstrate an ability to critically read, reflect upon, and summarize scientific information. 3. Summarize and synthesize scientific information on a specific subject related to the course topic in a paper and/or oral presentation.
  • 3.00 Credits

    Introductory course required of all students in the biotechnology program. This course explores careers in biotechnology with emphasis on central dogma of biology, DNA techniques, recombinant DNA technology and their applications in biotech careers, and bioethics. Using a variety of teaching methods including lecture/discussion, laboratory, power points, videos, quizzes and exams. ** Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify the fundamental techniques and the basic principles of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology that are essential in biotechnology. 2. Describe the applications and impact of biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, medicine, and industry. 3. Apply knowledge of the fundamental ethical and regulatory issues surrounding the biotechnology field. 4. Communicate biotechnology findings effectively in the form of oral and written scientific reports. 5. Apply some of the basic methods of Biotechnology in a laboratory setting. FA
  • 2.00 Credits

    Course required for all students in the biotechnology program. This course develops the lab skills consistent to DNA technology including recombinant DNA cloning, DNA gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. **Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate proper laboratory safety techniques. 2. Describe the structure of DNA and RNA and successfully prepare laboratory solutions 3. Describe the principles and methods used in genetic engineering. 4. Perform end-point PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis and other DNA and RNA technologies. 5. Maintain a laboratory note book and perform necessary calculations. Prerequisites: BTEC 1010 or BIOL 1610 & BIOL 1620 or BIOL 1620 (can be taken concurrently). FA
  • 2.00 Credits

    Course required for all students in the biotechnology program. This course develops current techniques in protein production, extraction, purification, and analysis. Includes instruction and practice with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), chromatography, western blot, and FPLC analysis. **Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate proper laboratory safety techniques. 2. Explain the relationship between protein structure and function as they apply to biotechnology. 3. Describe and perform the methods of protein purification and protein analysis. 4. Perform protein manipulations. 5. Determine the physical properties of a protein using current methodology. Prerequisites: BTEC 1010 or BIOL 1610 & BIOL 1620 or BIOL 1620 (can be taken concurrently). SP
  • 2.00 Credits

    Course required for all students in the biotechnology program. This course develops basics skills of eukaryote cell culture. Includes handling, storage, and maintenance of mammalian and insect cell lines. Emphasizes media preparation, sterile and aseptic techniques. ** Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate proper aseptic and sterile laboratory techniques. 2. Describe and explain the characteristics of mammalian & insect cells grown in vitro. 3. Perform routine cell culture tasks in cell counting, cell passaging, and cell feeding. 4. Record, analyze, and evaluate data related to the growth, maintenance, and evaluation of cell cultures. Prerequisites: BTEC 1010 or BIOL 1610 & BIOL 1620 or BIOL 1620 (can be taken concurrently). SP
  • 3.00 Credits

    Course required for all students in the biotechnology program. This course develops advanced nucleic acid techniques. Includes site-directed mutagenesis, DNA sequencing, and RNA analysis methods, and real-time PCR to quantitate DNA in samples. Incorporates methods to mutate 2 genes using CRISPR gene editing technology followed by RT-PCR to analyze gene expression (RNA isolation, creating cDNA, followed by real-time PCR). **Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1 Contrast DNA and RNA, their relative stabilities, and considerations when working with either molecule in vitro. 2. Outline the different DNA sequencing platforms and the technologies each is based on 3. Describe different methods for studying nucleic acids including PCR, quantitative PCR, RT-PCR, digital PCR, high-resolution melt curve analysis, and fragment analysis 4. Contrast various techniques used for the manipulation of genetic material, including site-directed mutagenesis, CRISPR, zinc-finger nuclease, and TALENS. Prerequisites: BTEC 2010. SP
  • 2.00 Credits

    This course will give a broad introduction to zebrafish husbandry, maintenance, breeding, egg collection, and embryo microscopy. It will prepare students for advanced functional genomics coursework and research. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)** At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Employ proper maintenance of zebrafish colonies. 2. Practice zebrafish breeding and embryo collection. 3. Detail the mechanisms of light microscope usage. 4. Collect microscope images of developing zebrafish at various stages. 5. Detail the developmental stages of zebrafish. Prerequisites: BIOL 1610 and BIOL 1620 or concurrently taking BIOL 1620. FA, SP
  • 1.00 Credits

    Recent advances in sequencing technologies allow for the large scale sequencing of genomes. This course will explore various sequencing methodologies, and techniques, and give students hand on training in Sanger and Next-Generation Sequencing. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)** At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the history of DNA sequencing technologies and the advances that made modern day sequencing platforms possible. 2. Discuss the chemistry involved in sequencing reactions. 3. Contrast the different sequencing technologies and platforms. 4. Apply Sanger sequencing of a unique sample. 5. Apply next-generation sequencing run using the illumina iSeq. Prerequisites: BIOL 3030 (Grade C- or higher). SP
  • 1.00 Credits

    This course provides hands-on experience with techniques and concepts used for recombinant protein production and purification. This will be accomplished through a lecture and laboratory experience that will involve directed reading, design and performance of experiments, data analysis, and completion of laboratory reports. The course is appropriate for all pre-health and pre-vet professionals, and those preparing for life science-oriented graduate programs and industrial careers. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)** At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Summarize the principal processes involved in protein synthesis and the relationship between protein structure and function; 2. Describe and implement alternative approaches used for recombinant protein expression in different expression systems; 3. Demonstrate common techniques used for protein purification and preparation strategies: including ion exchange, affinity, and size exclusion chromatography methods. Prerequisites: BTEC 2020 (Grade C- or higher). FA