Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 02/27/03
BIO107 20036-99999	LEC LAB	4 Credit(s) 0 Credit(s)	3 Period(s) 3 Period(s)
Introduction to Biotechnology
Introduction to biotechnology and its global impact on society. Covers applications, laboratory techniques, limitations and the international economic benefits, risks, and legal and moral issues associated with biotechnology. Prerequisites: None.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
BIO107   20036-99999	Introduction to Biotechnology

1.	Define the term "biotechnology," and describe its applications and impact on society from ancient times to the present. (I)
2.	Describe and demonstrate the principles and procedures of the scientific method. (II)
3.	Define, describe, and demonstrate macromolecules relevant to biotechnology. (III)
4.	Quantify and demonstrate the forms of analysis used in characterizing macromolecules. (IV)
5.	Describe and analyze the physical properties of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and explain its uses in biotechnology. (III, V)
6.	Demonstrate proficiency in DNA purification. (VI)
7.	Determine the identity of a DNA sample through restriction digestion and mapping. (VII)
8.	Explain and demonstrate the concept of gene expression, recombinant DNA methodology, cloning, and genetic engineering. (VIII)
9.	Demonstrate proficiency in using model organisms relevant to biotechnological applications. (IX)
10.	Describe, explain, and demonstrate applications of biotechnology in forensics. (X)
11.	Explain the uses of biotechnology in pharmaceutical development and its worldwide applications. (XI)
12.	Explain the history and global advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering used in agriculture. (XII)
13.	Describe and debate the international regulations on genetically modified foods and organisms. (XIII)
14.	Define and demonstrate "bioremediation" and explain the advantages and disadvantages of applying biotechnological solutions to global environmental problems. (XIV)
15.	Describe biological weapons and explain their impact on public health. (XV)
16.	Describe and explain how the discovery and research of novel organisms contributes to the advancement of biotechnology. (XVI)
17.	Explain and demonstrate the uses of biotechnology in medicine. (XVII)
18.	Define and demonstrate "bioinformatics," and its uses in biotechnology. (XVIII)
19.	Trace and debate the worldwide economic, moral, ethical, and legal issues surrounding biotechnology. (XIX)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
BIO107   20036-99999	Introduction to Biotechnology

I. Biotechnology: An Overview A. Definition of term B. History C. Current applications, methods, and research II. Scientific Method A. Formulation of the hypothesis B. Inductive reasoning C. Deductive reasoning D. Data collection E. Data analysis F. Data presentation G. Lab report writing III. Macromolecules Relevant to Biotechnological Applications A. Characteristics of DNA B. Uses of DNA in biotechnology C. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) D. Proteins E. Gene anatomy F. Gene expression IV. Quantification and Characterization of Macromolecules A. Spectrophotometry B. Chromatography C. Electrophoresis D. DNA sequencing E. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) V. Introduction to DNA A. Physical properties B. Chemical properties C. Quantification of DNA using ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry VI. DNA Isolation and Purification A. Isolation of DNA from a plant source B. Purification and precipitation of DNA VII. Identification and Mapping of a DNA Sample A. Restriction endonuclease digestion of DNA B. Electrophoresis of restriction fragments on an agarose gel C. Interpretation of results, creation of a DNA restriction map, and applications toward DNA fingerprinting VIII. Molecular Genetic Engineering A. Recombinant DNA methodology B. Cloning C. Current research IX. Introduction to Model Organisms Used in Biotechnology A. Bacteria B. Fungi C. Plants D. Invertebrates E. Vertebrates X. Applications of Biotechnology to Forensics A. Use of DNA probes B. DNA fingerprinting C. PCR amplified DNA XI. Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Development A. Definition of biopharmaceuticals B. Synthetic and genetic engineering of pharmaceuticals XII. Biotechnology and Agriculture A. Genetic engineering in agriculture B. Manufacture of pharmaceuticals from farm animals C. Manufacture of genetically modified crops D. Global advantages and disadvantages, risks, and benefits XIII. International Regulation of Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms A. History of U.S. policy on genetically modified foods and organisms B. Comparison of U.S. regulations with international policies XIV. Biotechnology and the Environment A. Bioremediation B. The role of microorganisms in environmental biotechnology C. Reducing the effects of synthetic organic compounds D. Biofuels XV. Biological Weapons and Biotechnology A. Definition of biological weapons B. History of biological weapons C. Current international threats of biological weapons XVI. Discovery and Research of Novel Organisms Used in Biotechnology A. History of field discoveries B. Identification of novel organisms C. Applications to the advancement of biotechnology XVII. Biotechnology and Medicine A. Use of biotechnology in identifying and treating genetic diseases B. Genetic diseases C. Gene therapy D. Pros and cons of gene therapy XVIII. Bioinformatics and Biotechnology A. Definition B. Genome projects: gene and protein databases C. Use of computer databases in biotechnology XIX. Issues in Biotechnology A. Impact of biotechnology on the world economy B. Intellectual property, legal, and regulatory issues C. Moral issues D. Societal issues

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