Biotechnology (BIOT)

This is an archived copy of the 2020-21 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.jccc.edu/.

Courses

BIOT 260   Biotechnology Methods* (5 Hours)

Prerequisites : BIOT 160 with a grade of "C" or higher and BIOT 165 with a grade of "C" or higher.

Prerequisites or corequisites: BIOT 230 with a grade of "C" or higher.

This course is an introduction to the theory and laboratory techniques in molecular biology, protein biochemistry and immunology with an emphasis on gene expression and regulation, recombinant DNA, RNA transcription, and protein translation. Laboratory emphasis will be on molecular biological techniques utilized in modern research and industrial laboratories. Techniques include growth and maintenance of E. coli, gene cloning, DNA and protein electrophoresis protein purification and enzymatic and immunology assays. Lecture and laboratory exercises on the principles and practices of initiation, cultivation, maintenance, preservation of cell culture lines and applications will also be covered.

BIOT 260

  • Title: Biotechnology Methods*
  • Number: BIOT 260
  • Effective Term: 2020-21
  • Credit Hours: 5
  • Contact Hours: 9
  • Lecture Hours: 3
  • Lab Hours: 6

Requirements:

Prerequisites: BIOT 160 with a grade of "C" or higher and BIOT 165 with a grade of "C" or higher.
Prerequisites or corequisites: BIOT 230 with a grade of "C" or higher.

Description:

This course is an introduction to the theory and laboratory techniques in molecular biology, protein biochemistry and immunology with an emphasis on gene expression and regulation, recombinant DNA, RNA transcription, and protein translation. Laboratory emphasis will be on molecular biological techniques utilized in modern research and industrial laboratories. Techniques include growth and maintenance of E. coli, gene cloning, DNA and protein electrophoresis protein purification and enzymatic and immunology assays. Lecture and laboratory exercises on the principles and practices of initiation, cultivation, maintenance, preservation of cell culture lines and applications will also be covered.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Describe the structure, replication and regulation of DNA, RNA and proteins in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.

  2. Perform basic laboratory techniques related to macromolecular separation and identification as well as explain the concepts underlying these techniques.

  3. Perform basic laboratory techniques related to immunology as well as explain the concepts underlying these techniques.

  4. Perform basic laboratory techniques related to tissue culture as well as explain the concepts underlying these techniques.

  5. Document, analyze and present data that is generated from course experiments using a Laboratory Notebook.

  6. Demonstrate good laboratory etiquette and safety working with equipment, materials and other personnel associated with the procedures conducted in the laboratory. 

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.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Exams/Papers            55%- 70% of grade

Laboratory Manual       30%- 45% of grade

Grade Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F

Caveats:

  1. Computer Literacy Expectations: Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects. 

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).