Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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CH 371 - Modern Biotechnology

2 lecture hours 2 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
Biotechnology is introduced. The techniques used in biotechnology have brought changes to every possible aspect of our lives including careers, economy and all natural and social sciences. This elective course is designed for all interested students. The subject matter of this course changes every time it is offered in order to keep pace with a fast-growing field. Lectures are focused on important and timely topics, as well as the theory of most critical techniques that are the backbone of areas like bioengineering, biomolecular engineering, protein engineering and the biotech industry. Students have hands-on learning of the techniques during lab sessions. The course also covers the history, ethics and societal impact of biotechnology. (prereq: CH 200 , CH 200A  or CH 200B )
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Discuss the history, impacts, implications and ethics of biotechnology
  • Identify several principles of biotechnology
  • Be involved in a discussion about the pros and cons of the different aspects of the field
  • Use the proper terminology for several experimental techniques
  • Present a half hour talk on one topic related to biotechnology
  • Practice and teach at least three different techniques of biotechnology independently

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Structure and function of DNA and RN
  • Transcription
  • Translation
  • Genetic code
  • Gene expression

Course Topics
  • We know who you are: genes and their expression
  • Is someone like you at home? Cloning animals and/or humans
  • Trail of the Crime: DNA and forensics
  • Can we live forever? Proteins and their functions
  • More deadly than atomic bomb? Viruses and bio-war
  • Can we see the biomolecules? Biomolecular modeling
  • Molecules within molecules! Transformation
  • Molecular scissors! Endonucleases

Laboratory Topics
  • Difference of macro techniques from micro techniques
  • DNA separating gels
  • Understanding two strands of DNA and plasmids
  • Isolation of DNA by spooling
  • Transformation
  • Gel electrophoresis
  • Cutting DNA Lambda with restriction enzymes
  • Biomolecular modeling
  • Quantification of DNA with gel electrophoresis
  • Quantification of DNA by spectrophotometry

Coordinator
Dr. Gul Afshan



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