Departments & Programs

Biotechnology

Course Descriptions
Biotechnology
  • BIOT-T 301 Seminar in Biotechnology (1 cr.) P: BIOL-L 112. Outside speakers from the biotechnology industry present students with the latest research developments, information about career opportunities, and internship possibilities. Students will write a paper on each seminar, discussing what they have learned and how this knowledge affects their career decisions. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credit hours in BIOT-T301 or BIOL-T301.
  • BIOT-T 310 Biotechnology Lecture (3 cr.) P: BIOL-L211. C: BIOT-T315. Application of microbial diversity in biotechnology; synthesis of macromolecules; principles of gene expressions; gene cloning; protein engineering, overexpression and purification; genomics; proteomics; bioinformatics. Credit given for only one of BIOT-T310 or BIOL-T310.
  • BIOT-T 312 Societal Issues in Biotechnology (3 cr.) P: BIOL-L 112. Consideration of the effects of recent advances in biotechnology on human affairs and the environment. Credit given for only one of BIOT-T312 or BIOL-T312.
  • BIOT-T 315 Biotechnology Laboratory (3 cr.) P: BIOL-L211. C: BIOT-T 310. Students use a problem-based approach to gene cloning; for example, cloning the gene for an industrially important enzyme, alpha-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis. In this example, students would purify alpha-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis and affinity-tagged alpha-amylase overproduction clone for purification and compare the activity of the purified proteins. Credit given for only one of BIOT-T315 or BIOL-T315.
  • BIOT-T 322 Biotechnology Writing and Communication (3 cr.) P: Completion of the English composition requirement; BIOL L211; BIOL-M 315 or CHEM C 343. Students learn oral and written scientific communications as appropriate in biotechnology. Topics include figures and tables, technical talks, reading and writing scientific publications, and writing industrial-style documents, including standard operating procedures and study protocols. Peer and instructor review will aid learning. Credit given for only one of BIOT-T322 or BIOL-T322.
  • BIOT-T 410 Special Topics in Biotechnology (2-3 cr.) P: May vary. Will be listed on the Schedule of Classes prior to registration. Topics will vary but will not be related to course content of other courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours for any combination of BIOT-T 410 and BIOL-L 410.
  • BIOT-T 415 Theory and Applications of Biotechnology Laboratory I (3 cr.) P: One of the following: BIOT T315, BIOL M315, M360, L311, L319, L323, L324, L373, or M435. In-depth application of advanced laboratory techniques currently used in biotechnology. Course is divided into three modules, each emphasizing a specific discipline within biotechnology. General laboratory techniques are taught in all modules. Credit given for only one of BIOT-T415 or BIOL-T415.
  • BIOT-T 425 Laboratory in Macromolecular Production, Purification, and Characterization (3 cr.) P: CHEM C341 and one of the following: BIOT T315, BIOL M315, M360, L319, L323, L324, L373, or M435. Develops a working knowledge of a variety of fundamental and advanced protein techniques used in industry, focusing on expression, purification, and characterization. Increases competence in quantitative analysis, data interpretation, problem-solving, scientific writing, and time management. Credit given for only one of BIOT-T 425 or BIOL-T 425.
  • BIOT-T 440 Structure, Function, and Regulation of Biomolecules (3 cr.) P: CHEM-C 341. Survey of the structure, function, and regulation of biomolecules as related to the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Some focus on problem solving and applications for product development. Credit given for only one of BIOT-T440 or BIOL-T440.
  • BIOT-T 490 Independent Research in Biotechnology (1-3 cr.) P: Minimum 2.500 GPA and written permission of supervising instructor. Directed research opportunities for undergraduates in faculty research laboratories. Provides experience with state-of-the-art methodologies, instrumentation and approaches in biotechnology. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours.