Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Beginnings of Modern Biotechnology
   A. Outline the early history of biotechnology prior to the development
of the germ theory.
   B. Describe the scientific developments that occurred after the germ
theory and provided the foundations of modern biotechnology.

II. Basic Methodologies of Gene Expression
   A. Describe DNA structure and the replication process.
   B. Explain the process of RNA transcription.
   C. Explain translation and the components necessary for the process to
occur as well as describe the four levels of protein structure.
   D. Cite examples of the regulations of gene expression including the
lac and trp operons.

III. Basic Principles of Recombinant DNA Technology
   A. Describe the function and use of bacterial restriction
endonucleases.
   B. Describe the natural occurrence of cloning and the human
applications of the process.
   C. Explain the methods of cell transformation.
   D. Explain the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
   E. Review the different DNA sequencing methods, especially the Sanger
method.
   F. Summarize the various methods used to study proteins including
chromatography and gel electrophoresis.

IV. Common Methods and Applications of Microbial Biotechnology
   A. Review the commercial production of methods using microogranisms.
   B. Identify a variety of products from microorganisms.
   C. Describe examples of bioremediation and their impact on the
environment.

V. Common Methods and Applications of Plant Biotechnology
   A. Describe the techniques used in plant tissue culture.
   B. Identify a variety of uses of plant genetic engineering.
   C. Review the safety issues that must be addressed with food plants.

VI. Common Methods and Applications of Animal Biotechnology
   A. Describe gene transfer methods in animals.
   B. Define the role of transgenic animals.
   C. Discuss various methods of animal propagation.

VII. Common Methods and Applications of the Human Genome Project
   A. Describe the goals of the Human Genome Project (HGP).
   B. Define genetic markers and maps as they relate to the HGP.
   C. List applications of HGP including genetic testing, screening and
therapy.

VIII. Common Methods and Applications of Medical Biotechnology
   A. Review the process and use of gene therapy.
   B. Compare and contrast the types of vaccines in use including their
method of manufacture.
   C. Summarize the types of synthetic drugs and their development.

IX. Forensic Science and DNA Profiling
   A. Discuss the legal and technical requirements of forensic science
pertaining to:
      1. Evidence gathering and conservation.
      2. Interpretation of evidence.
      3. Reliability of technology employed.
   B. Describe the methods used in DNA profiling.
   C. Outline DNA databases and their use in profiling.

X. Regulations and Patent Processes That Govern Biotechnology
   A. Identify the regulatory agencies that govern biotechnology.
   B. Recognize the risks of biotechnology products to the public and
interpret how regulations work to decrease the risk.
   C. Outline the process used in patent plants and animals.

XI. Ethical Issues Associated with Biotechnology
   A. Evaluate the public concerns with engineered plants and foods.
   B. Summarize the ethical, legal and social implications of the Human
Genome Project.
   C. Acknowledge both sides of the argument regarding the ethical use of
biotechnology.

XII. Career Exploration
   A. Research and write a paper on a biotechnology firm.
   B. Prepare career materials such as a resume′ and cover letter.
   C. Prepare and give a presentation on a biotechnology topic.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Safe Laboratory Practices
   A. Outline good housekeeping techniques.
   B. Describe proper personal practices in the laboratory, including:
      1. Appropriate clothing and footwear.
      2. Food and beverage usage.
      3. Personal hygiene practices.
   C. Follow accepted handling practices of laboratory animals.
   D. Explain documentation and record-keeping methods.
   E. Write a laboratory safety manual to demonstrate learned methods.

II. Principles of Occupational Safety
   A. Follow physical, electrical and fire safety regulations.
   B. Describe the importance of signs and notices.
   C. Develop plans for facility maintenance and correction of physical
safety problems.

III. Safety Equipment
   A. Choose and utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
   B. Choose and utilize appropriate laboratory safety equipment,
including:
      1. Chemical fume hoods.
      2. Biological safety cabinets.
      3. Fire equipment.

IV. Chemical Hazards
   A. Categorize the various types of chemical hazards, their use and
handling in the laboratory including:
      1. Corrosives, irritants and similar chemicals.
      2. Toxic chemicals.
   B. Follow accepted methods for neutralization of toxic chemicals.
   C. Follow regulations and techniques for waste management.

V. Radioactive Chemical Hazards
   A. Categorize the various types of radioactive chemical hazards, their
use and handling in the laboratory, including:
      1. Characteristics of radioisotopes.
      2. Handling and storage techniques.
      3. Dosimetry.
   B. Describe the importance of radiation monitoring and surveillance.
   C. Explain proper record-keeping methods required by federal
regulations.
   D. Adhere to accepted methods of decontamination of radioactive
materials.
   E. Follow regulations and techniques for waste management.

VI. Perform Simple Risk Assessment Analysis
   A. Identify hazardous agents and their specific risks.
   B. Assess the individual susceptibility of the researchers.
   C. Review experimental procedures and their associated risks.
   D. Identify routes of entry of hazardous agents into the body.

VII. Regulatory Agencies for the Laboratory
   A. Recognize the role of rule-making agencies in laboratory safety,
including:
      1. Federal - OSHA, EPA, NIH, CDC, FDA, NRC, USDA.
      2. State and local.
      3. Private - UL, NSF.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Introduction to Microbiology
   A. Review development of the germ theory of disease and molecular microbiology.
   B. Recall the early work to disprove the theory of spontaneous generation.
   C. Recognize the contributions to the germ theory by Pasteur and Koch.
   D. Recognize the contributions to molecular microbiology by Griffith, Avery and McLeod, Hershey and Chase, Lederberg, Watson and Crick, and others.

II. Basic Techniques and Concepts
   A. Demonstrate various staining techniques, including a Gram stain and an Acid-Fast stain.
   B. Demonstrate pure culture techniques, such as the loop-streak
technique for the isolation of pure cultures and loop-inoculated pour plates.
   C. Cultivate and maintain a variety of bacterial and yeast cultures.
   D. Perform bacterial population counts, using both the serial dilution method and a Petroff-Hauser counter to determine bacteria numbers.
   E. Complete a bacterial growth curve and analyze results, to include monitoring bacterial growth using qualitative and quantitative methods.

III. Cell Structure and Function
   A. Review of the structures and their function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
   B. Relate the bacterial structures to staining properties and antibiotic resistance.

IV. Introduction to Biochemistry
   A. Describe the major groups of organic compounds.
   B. State the types of enzymes and their functions.
   C. Recognize the common chemical functional groups.
   D. Recall the common biochemical reactions of a cell.
   E. Review the processes of glycolysis, fermentation, the Kreb's cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
   F. Identify the products of bacterial fermentation and their industrial applications.

V. Microbial Genetics
   A. Review the Watson-Crick model of DNA structure and DNA replication.
   B. Review the processes involved in protein synthesis (transcription and translation).
   C. Recognize the types of mutations and causes of mutations.
   D. Distinguish between the types of DNA transfer in prokaryotic cells, including transformation, conjugation and transduction.
   E. Describe the process of gene splicing and its applications.
   F. Perform and analyze data from molecular techniques used in microbiology, such as gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction, restriction enzyme analysis and transformation.

VII. Viruses
   A. Categorize the basic structure and characteristics of viruses.
   B. Explain the basic replication methods of bacteriophages and how they are used for genetic transfer in biotechnology.
   C. Explain the replication of representative animal viruses and how it plays a role in viral disease and biotechnology.
   D. Maintain cell cultures used to grow viruses in the laboratory.
   E. Identify viral pathogenesis (cytopathic effect) using cell cultures.
   F. Grow and titrate bacteriophage preparations.

VIII. Antimicrobials
   A. Review the fundamentals of antimicrobials.
   B. Describe the mechanisms of antimicrobial action.
   C. Describe the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.
   D. Define methods to determine antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance.
   E. Explain how resistance genes and antimicrobials are used as genetic markers in biotechnology.
   F. Perform techniques to identify antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance, including minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum lethal concentration, the Kirby-Bauer test and the epsilometer test.

IX. Host Defense Mechanisms
   A. Recognize the relationship between pathogen and host.
   B. List the various non-specific defense mechanisms of the host, such as the physical barriers, the chemical barriers, and the cells used in non-specific defense and their role.
   C. Describe the specific (acquired) defense mechanisms of the host.
   D. Classify the cells of the acquired immune system.
   E. Itemize the characteristics and structure of antibodies.
   F. Explain antigen/antibody reactions.
   G. Describe the induction of the immune response.
   H. Define disorders associated with the immune system.
   I. Describe biotechnological advances in the treatment of immunological diseases.
   J. Perform various immunological assays, including the immunodiffusion test, the agglutination reaction, and the enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA).

X. Microorganisms and Human Disease
   A. Identify and describe mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis.
   B. Compare and contrast the concepts of virulence and pathogenicity.
   C. Identify microbial virulence factors associated with pathogenesis.
   D. List and describe representative diseases caused by Gram-positive, Gram-negative, acid-fast bacilli, and anaerobic bacilli.
   E. Recognize other diseases caused by fungi and parasites.

XI. Industrial, Water and Food Microbiology/Biotechnology
   A. Describe the basic process of industrial fermentation.
   B. Outline the microbial synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites.
   C. Describe and perform basic techniques in the microbiological analysis of water and food products.

XII. Laboratory Etiquette
   A. Maintain a neat, detailed, organized and accurate laboratory notebook.
   B. Participate in maintaining a clean, safe and organized laboratory.
   C. Properly use and care for laboratory equipment.
   D. Identify and properly handle all chemicals according to appropriate chemical safety guidelines.
   E. Identify and properly handle biologicals according to appropriate biosafety guidelines.
   F. Dispose of all reagents, chemicals and biologicals, according to established procedures.
   G. Communicate with others in the laboratory, especially lab partner and instructor.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Review of Central Dogma of Genetics
   A. Describe the structure of DNA and the process of replication.
   B. Explain the process of RNA transcription.
   C. Outline protein translation and describe the four levels of protein structure.

II. Basic Molecular Biology Techniques
   A. Accurately and safely measure all chemicals as required by course protocols.
   B. Perform various types of electrophoresis, including agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
   C. Perform various types of chromatography, including gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography.
   D. Propagate, maintain and manipulate E. coli cultures according to standard aseptic technique as needed to perform a variety of procedures.

III. DNA Methods
   A. Extract and isolate both chromosomal and plasmid DNA from E. coli.
   B. Analyze and map restriction enzyme cleavage sites on chromosomal and plasmid DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis.
   C. Perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and relate its use in typing human DNA.
   D. Perform a Southern blot and describe its use in DNA fingerprinting.
   E. Conduct dideoxy-DNA sequencing and apply its use to the Human Genome Project and bioinformatics.
   F. Perform a bacterial transformation with a plasmid and analyze the results to determine the success of the transformation.

IV. Protein Methods
   A. Extract and purify a restriction enzyme from E. coli by ion exchange chromatography.
   B. Quantify the amount of protein purified using a standard protein assay.
   C. Determine the molecular weight of protein using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).
   D. Calculate total and specific enzyme activity.

V. Tissue Culture Techniques
   A. Explain methods used to isolate cells and/or tissues from plants and animals.
   B. Describe methods used to grow and maintain cells in culture.
   C. Maintain cells in tissue culture for the prescribed amount of time.

VI. Immunology Methods
   A. Perform an Ouchteriony procedure and explain the antigen-antibody interaction it demonstrates.
   B. Conduct a simulation of HIV-1 detection, including enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and Western blot methods.
   C. Perform a quantitative ELISA to determine concentrations of viral antigens.

VII. Laboratory Etiquette
   A. Maintain a neat, detailed, organized and accurate laboratory notebook.
   B. Participate in maintaining a clean, safe and organized laboratory.
   C. Properly use and care for laboratory equipment.
   D. Identify and properly handle all chemicals according to appropriate chemical safety guidelines.
   E. Identify and properly handle all biologicals according to appropriate biosafety guidelines.
   F. Dispose of all reagents, chemical and biological, according to established procedures.
   G. Communicate with others in the laboratory, especially lab partner and instructor.
   H.  Prepare a scientific paper based upon an experiment performed in the laboratory.

VIII. Common Methods and Applications of Medical Biotechnology
   A. Review the process and use of gene therapy.
   B. Compare and contrast the types of vaccines in uses including their method of manufacture.
   C. Summarize the types of synthetic drugs and their development.

IX. Forensic Science and DNA Profiling
   A. Discuss the legal and technical requirements of forensic science pertaining to:
      1. Evidence gathering and conservation.
      2. Interpretation of evidence.
      3. Reliability of technology employed.
   B. Describe the methods used in DNA profiling.
   C. Outline DNA databases and their use in profiling.

X. Regulations and Patent Processes that Govern Biotechnology
   A. Identify the regulatory agencies that govern biotechnology.
   B. Recognize the risks of biotechnology products to the public and interpret how regulations work to decrease the risk.
   C. Outline the process used in patent plants and animals.

XI. Ethical Issues Associated with Biotechnology
   A. Evaluate the public concerns with engineered plants and foods.
   B. Summarize the ethical, legal and social implications of the Human Genome Project.
   C. Acknowledge both sides of the argument regarding the ethical use of biotechnology.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Initiation of the Internship
   A. List goals and objectives to achieve in the internship setting.
   B. Develop a job description and determine specific objectives for the internship with the facilitator.
   C. Discuss in a meeting with the facilitator and job supervisor the job description, objectives, and process for the internship.
   D. Complete the orientation to the company, its policies and the work assignment.

II. Learning about the Laboratory
   A. Provide an accurate description of the laboratories projects.
   B. Provide an accurate description of the company or institution that the laboratory belongs to and the laboratory’s role in the company or institution.
   C. Provide an accurate description of the task-related policies and procedures as well as any safety requirements of the laboratory or its company/institution.

III. Documenting the Internship
   A. Maintain records detailing job-related tasks in the laboratory (lab manual).
   B. Maintain a record of hours worked and any other human resource issues That arise.
   C. Document and use classroom knowledge to complete laboratory-related tasks.
   D. Document new knowledge resulting from laboratory-related tasks or workshops.
   E. Document problems experienced and solutions applied.

IV. Demonstrating Professional Workplace Skills
   A. Exhibit punctuality, initiative, courtesy, and loyalty in the workplace.
   B. Meet with laboratory supervisor when necessary to discuss work-related tasks and follow written and oral instructions.
   C. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow employees appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting criticism and praise.
   D. Demonstrate adaptability to changes in the work environment.
   E. Follow all employee rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
   F. Identify and develop productive work habits, including attention to detail, completing tasks, maintaining the laboratory setting, and recording data.

V. Evaluating the Internship Experience
   A. Describe and assess significant consistencies and/or discrepancies between classroom competencies and laboratory practices.
   B. Describe and assess the laboratory and its company/institution related to the internship experience.
   C. Assess and summarize the employer evaluation.
   D. Discuss the entire experience and final report with the facilitator and laboratory supervisor.