BIOTECHNOLOGY TODAY

Course Description

CMB 707 Biotechnology Today (3 credit hours) is a project-based course that will include studies in DNA fingerprinting, PCR, CRISPR, bioinformatics and western blot technologies: all important biotechnology techniques currently used in forensic sciences. The course is designed to give students a fundamental understanding of techniques covered as well as a working knowledge, through the use of some virtual labs. Students will also learn how these techniques can be applied toward new challenges in the biotechnology industry. Projects will include integrating knowledge and skills in the examination, analysis, interpretation, reporting and testimonial support of evidence. Students will also develop problem-solving and analytical skills that are more generally applicable to the life sciences. Furthermore, students will develop writing and presentation skills necessary for the biotechnology workforce.

Course Information

Describe and state the scientific basis and application for selected analytical techniques.
Develop logical steps in a series of experiments.
Read and critically evaluate selected scientific literature.
Develop logical steps in a series of experiments.
Interpret and communicate experimental data.
Demonstrate the ability to use computers and scientific databases as information and research tools.
Explain the relevance and significance of results in selected scientific literature.
Communicate research results effectively through written and oral presentations.
State the focus of work for biochemists.

Note: The course topics listed below are for a regular fall or spring semester. The summer semester will be shortened to 10 weeks and several topics will be combined.

Topic	Dates*	Instructor
3.1. Scientific Writing and Reporting in Biotechnology	Dates*: Week 1	Instructor: TBD
3.2. DNA Forensic Techniques/Methods/Biotechnologies—Part 1	Dates*: Week 2	Instructor: TBD
3.3. DNA Forensic Techniques/Methods/Biotechnologies—Part 2	Dates*: Week 3	Instructor: TBD
3.4. Genetically Modified Plants – Case Study I	Dates*: Week 4	Instructor: TBD
3.5. Presentation Skills in Biotechnology Scientific	Dates*: Week 5	Instructor: TBD
3.6. Student Presentation – Project 1 (Midterm)	Dates*: Week 6	Instructor: TBD
3.7. Genome Editing Technology (CRISPR) – Case Study II	Dates*: Week 7	Instructor: TBD
3.8. Gene Therapy	Dates*: Week 8	Instructor: TBD
3.9. Ethics in Research	Dates*: Week 9	Instructor: TBD
3.10. Student Presentations Project I	Dates*: Week 10	Instructor: TBD
3.11. Protein Detection – Western Blotting – Case Study III	Dates*: Week 11	Instructor: TBD
3.12. DNA Detection – PCR	Dates*: Week 12	Instructor: TBD
3.13. Bioengineering – Case Study IV	Dates*: Week 13	Instructor: TBD
3.14. Student Writing Skills Assignment Project II	Dates*: Week 14	Instructor: TBD