BSC 4422C — Methods and Applications in Biotechnology
MCB 3020C or PCB 3023C are recommended. This course focuses on the techniques and applications of biotechnology. Biotechnology refers to utilization and manipulation of biological systems with the intent to solve global and societal problems. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of the biotechnology industry and application of concepts and techniques central to biotech laboratory research. The major areas of biotechnology that will be covered are as follows: 1) Discovery, development and use of recombinant DNA technology. 2) Industry and government regulations on biotech as well as ethical issues surrounding the field. 3) Major branches of the biotechnology industry including forensics, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical/medical, agricultural, environmental and sustainable energy biotechnology. These topics will be covered in context of a clear knowledge of cellular systems, genetics and ecology as well as with rigorous application of the scientific method. This includes careful analysis of the costs and benefits of modern technology on the economy, society and the environment. (Note: This course is a combined lecture and lab class.)