HomeMy WebLinkAboutBIO-210Bergen Community College
Division of Mathematics, Science, and Technology
Department of Biology and Horticulture
Introduction to Biotechnology (BIO-210)
General Course Syllabus
Spring 2016
Course Title: BIO-210 Introduction to Biotechnology
Course Description:
This course is designed to give students both
a theoretical background and a working
knowledge of the instrumentation and
techniques employed in a biotechnology
laboratory. Emphasis will be placed on the
introduction of foreign DNA into bacterial cells,
as well as the analysis of nucleic acids (DNA
and RNA) and proteins.
Prerequisites: BIO-101 General Biology I
General Education Course: No
Course Credits 4.0
Hours per week: 6.0: 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab
Course Coordinator: John Smalley
Required Textbook:
Introduction To Biotechnology, 3rd edition, Thieman, W.J. and M.A. Palladino.
Pearson/Benjamin Cummings.
Required Lab Manual:
None
Student Learning Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. Students will demonstrate proper scientific laboratory record keeping.
Students will be evaluated by periodic notebook collections.
2 Students will be able to explain the scientificbasis for each technique used.
Students will be required to answer exam questions designed to allow
them to demonstrate their acquisition and retention of this knowledge.
3. Students will learn how to introduce foreign DNA into
bacterial cells for the purpose of molecular cloning. Students will be
evaluated by observation in the laboratory and analysis of experimental
results. Assessment will also be based upon performance on exam questions.
4. Students will be able to retrieve cloned DNA and analyze
it using restriction endonuclease digestion and agarose gel
electrophoresis. Students will be evaluated by observation in the
laboratory and analysis of experimental results. Assessment will also
be based upon performance on exam questions.
5. Students will be able to create recombinant DNA molecules
composed of DNA from multiple sources. Students will be evaluated by
observation in the laboratory and analysis of experimental results.
Assessment will also be based upon performance on exam questions.
6. Students will be able to amplify DNA using the
polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Students will be evaluated by
observation in the laboratory and analysis of experimental results.
Assessment will also be based upon performance on exam questions.
7. Students will learn the theory and practice of DNA sequencing.
Students will be evaluated by observation in the laboratory and analysis
of experimental results. Assessment will also be based upon performance
on exam questions.
8. Students will be able to analyze gene expression.
Students will be evaluated by observation in the laboratory and analysis
of experimental results. Assessment will also be based upon performance
on exam questions.
9. Students will be to search and retrieve information
from genomic and proteomic databases (e.g. GenBank, Swiss -Prot), and to
analyze their search results using software available on the internet
(e.g. BLAST, ClustalW). Assessment will be based upon performance on
computer assignments and exam questions.
10. Students will be able to properly handle genetically
engineered organisms and employ the safeguards necessary when working
with such organisms. Students will be evaluated by observation in the laboratory.
11. Students will learn to practice critical thinking skills and apply them to both material presentedin lecture and the anal ysis
of data generated in the laboratory. Students will be
evaluated by observation in the laboratory and analysis of experimental
results. Assessment will also be based upon performance on exam questions. 12. Students will use the scientific
method of inquiry, through the acquisition of scientific knowledge. 13. Students will use computer systems or other
appropriate forms of technology to achieve educational and personal goals.
Student Assessment Tools:
The above student learning objectives will be generally assessed or evaluated by instructors using a variety of
assessment instruments including lecture exams, laboratory exams, quizzes, laboratory reports, written reports,
presentations, projects, etc. The decisions concerning the type or types and number of instruments that are used in a
specific section of the course will be left to the instructor of that section. This information, when given by the instructo r
should be recorded by the student in the Student Assessment Section of this document.
Course Content (Lecture):
Week 1 Introduction, History and scope of biotechnology,
Review of DNA replication, transcription, and translation
Week 2 Review of DNA replication, transcription, and
translation continued, Natural and artificial mechanisms of DNA transfer
Week 3 Introduction to vectors, Selectable markers, Cloning
vectors, Expression vectors, Shuttle vectors, Creation of recombinant
DNA molecules, Creation of genomic and cDNA libraries
Week 4 Library screening, Ligation, Restriction endonuclease
digestion and mapping, Gel electrophoresis, Northern blotting, Southern blotting
Week 5 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Week 6 DNA sequencing and sequence analysis
Week 7 Reverse transcriptase PCR, Real time PCR
Week 8 Production of monoclonal antibodies, Immunoblotting
Week 9 DNA microarrays, Protein microarrays
Week 10 Introduction to bioinformatics
Week 11 Introduction to bioinformatics continued
Week 12 Applications of biotechnology: Genetically engineered foods, Bioremediation
Week 13 Applications of biotechnology: Medical biotechnology
Week 14 Applications of biotechnology: DNA fingerprinting,
Molecular diagnostics, Molecular forensics
Week 15 Applications of biotechnology: Transgenic organisms,
Ethical issues in biotechnology, The future of biotechnology
Course Content (Laboratory):
Week 1 Safety, Check-in, Laboratory record keeping,
micropipetting, bacterial culture techniques.
Week 2 Bacterial transformation
Week 3 DNA plasmid mini-prep, Restriction endonuclease digestion of DNA
Week 4 Agarose gel electrophoresis
Week 5 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Introduction to genomic and proteomic databases
Week 6 Analysis/Confirmation of PCR product
Week 7 Ligation, Bacterial transformation
Week 8 Analysis of ligation product
Week 9 DNA sequencing, Genomic and proteomic databases continued
Week 10 DNA sequence analysis
Week 11 Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)
Week 12 Analysis of RT-PCR products
Week 14 SDS-PAGE of proteins
Week 15 Immunoblotting
Student Assessment: Lecture Examinations ______
______%
Laboratory Component ______
______%
Student Project Report ______
______%
Class Participation ______
______%
Other
________________________________
%
Total
100%
If you have a medical condition or develop a medical condition during this semester, which prevents you from
fulfilling the requirements of this course, you must notify your physician. You and your physician must decide
whether or not it is appropriate for you to remain in this course. If the decision is to remain in this course, please
obtain a letter from your physician indicating that your continued participation in this course is appropriate and
present it to the Department Chair.
Faculty Addenda: As per individual faculty member
Lecture Attendance: As per instructor;
Lab Attendance: As per instructor;
Policy Concerning Late Assignments: As per instructor;
Policy Concerning Make-Up Testing: As per instructor;
Safety Information: As per instructor and assigned exercise;
College Policies:
Student Responsibility
Students will be held responsible for reading all pertinent information in college publications regarding
withdrawals, course drops, college deadlines, and tuition refunds. Students are responsible for compliance with
the rules and regulations as stated in college publications.
Absence of Instructor
Students are expected to wait twenty minutes for a faculty member to come to class. If at the end of twenty
minutes, the faculty member does not come, the students should sign an attendance sheet, which indicates the
course, date, and time. A student should deliver the attendance sheet to the divisional office (A304) if between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or to the Evening Office (C107) if before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. Students cannot be
penalized by faculty for not waiting longer than twenty minutes.
Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism
Bergen Community College is committed to academic integrity – the honest, fair and continuing pursuit of
knowledge, free from fraud or deception. Students are responsible for their own work. Faculty and academic
support services staff will take appropriate measures to discourage academic dishonesty. Plagiarism is a form
of academic dishonesty and may be a violation of U.S. Copyright laws. Plagiarism is defined as the act of taking
someone else’s words, opinions, or ideas and claiming them as one’s own.
Consequences of Violations Academic Integrity
A. Instructor’s Sanctions for a Violation
The faculty member will determine the course of action to be followed. This may include:
• Assigning a failing grade on the assignment;
• Assigning a lower final course grade;
• Failing the student in the course
• Other penalties appropriate to the violation;
In all cases, the instructor shall notify the Vice President of Student Services of the violation and the penalty
imposed. The student has the right to appeal the decision of the instructor to the appropriate department head.
B. Institutional Sanctions for Violations
When a violation of academic integrity has been reported regarding a student, the Vice President of Student
Services may impose disciplinary penalties beyond those imposed by the course instructor, which may include
suspension or dismissal from the College. The student shall have the right to a hearing before the Vice President
of Student Services or a designated judicial affairs committee. Judicial procedures governing violations of
academic integrity are contained in the student handbook.
Class Attendance
All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are
registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the instructor for each
section of each course. These will be established in writing on the individual course outline. Attendance will be
kept by the instructor for administrative and counseling purposes.
Eating and Drinking
Eating or drinking in classrooms, lecture rooms, laboratories, gymnasium, swimming pool, or passageways is
forbidden. Covered beverages only are permitted in the library. Eating and drinking are permitted in cafeteria and
vending areas only.
Learning Assistance
Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center
The Tutoring Center, English Language Resource Center, Math Walk-In Center and Writing Center are
collectively known as the Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center. The Cerullo Learning Assistance
Center is located in the Pitkin Education Building, in Room L-125. The telephone number is (201) 447-7489.
The Learning Assistance Center, staffed with peer and professional tutors, offers free individual and group
tutoring, supplemental instruction, and online tutoring for subjects offered at the College. The Center provides
alternative approaches to problem solving and organizational skills. Tutors help clarify classroom lectures and
textbooks and help students prepare for exams. These services build student self-confidence and reduce fear of
failure. The Center is equipped with the latest technology and software, including tapes, books, review sheets,
exercises and software.
Services for Students with Disabilities
Bergen Community College aims to create inclusive learning environments where all students have maximum
opportunities for success. Any student who feels he or she may need an accommodation based on the impact of
a disability should contact the Office of Specialized Services at 201-612-5269 or via email at
ossinfo@bergen.edu for assistance.
Sidney Silverman Library
Main Building, Pitkin Education Center, L-wing, 2nd Floor.
Paramus Library Hours: (201) 447-7131 or visit http://www.bergen.edu/library/calendar/gcal.htm
Paramus Service Desk: (201) 447-7970
Meadowlands Location: 1280 Wall Street, Lyndhurst 2nd Floor
Meadowlands Library Hours: http://www.bergen.edu/library/calendar/gcal.htm
Meadowlands Service Desk: (201) 301-9692
www.bergen.edu/library
Testing Services
The Bergen Community College Office of Testing Services (OTS) is located in Room S-127. OTS serves the
college community by identifying, developing, procuring, administering, processing, and/or evaluating
examinations, which meet a variety of administrative and instructional needs. To contact the OTS, please call
(201) 447-7202. The Office of Testing Services administers makeup tests as a service for students who, for
compelling and exceptional reasons, have missed a scheduled classroom examination. Students must receive
prior permission from and make arrangements with their course instructors to take these examinations, under
specific conditions, in the Office of Testing Services, Room S-127.
WebAdvisor
WebAdvisor is a web interface that allows students to access information contained in Datatel’s Colleague, the
administrative database used by Bergen Community College. Students may use WebAdvisor to register for
classes, to pay tuition and fees, to view their class schedules, to check grades, to check on progress toward
degree requirements, etc. WebAdvisor accounts are available for all students enrolled in credit programs. New
students are strongly encouraged to attend an in-person registration or advisement session before using a
WebAdvisor account. Eligible students without WebAdvisor user names and passwords may access their
WebAdvisor account by going to go.bergen.edu and selecting “I’m new to WebAdvisor.” Then, follow the on-
screen directions. Check the WebAdvisor FAQ for answers to common questions, such as how to reset your
password. Students must have a valid e-mail address on file with the College to use WebAdvisor