BIOT 107: Biotechnology: Transforming Society Through Biology

• Describe basic biological and chemical principles underlying biotechnology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry, especially the role of the scientific method.
• Define and distinguish among the four major classes of biological molecules.
• Compare and contrast structural and functional differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Construct a flow diagram of gene expression from DNA to protein.
• Identify factors that regulate the expression of genes in a cell.
• Explain the effect of mutations on cell function and the role single nucleotide polymorphisms have on human health/disease.
• Describe how the genome of an organism can be modified using current biotechnology tools.
• Demonstrate an understanding of recombinant DNA technology used in the production of genetically-modified organisms.
• Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of biotechnology applications to address societal challenges, including environmental and medical issues.
• Compare and contrast metabolic processes and activities in animal, plant, and fungal cells.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the seminal experiments that resulted in the first genetically-modified organisms and the birth of the biotechnology industry.
• Explain how living systems can be used to manufacture products.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic upstream and downstream processing activities.
• Apply knowledge of protein structure to explain the activity of enzymes and sensitivity of proteins to environmental factors.
• Outline the major steps involved in drug discovery and FDA approval in the United States.
• Explain evolution from a genetic perspective.
• Evaluate a recent development in the field of biotechnology from an ethical perspective.
• Evaluate sources of scientific information.

Scientific method and fostering scientific literacy

Characterizing life and its diversity

Biological molecules and their functions

1. Carbohydrates
2. Lipids
3. Proteins
4. Nucleic acids

Cellular organization

1. Cell theory
2. Prokaryotic cells: structure and function
3. Eukaryotic cells: structure and function

Energy production

1. Photosynthesis
2. Cellular respiration/fermentation

Reproduction

1. Cell division
2. Control of cell cycle and cancer

Gene expression

1. DNA structure and function
2. DNA replication 
3. Transcription
4. Translation
5. Mutations
6. Regulation of gene expression/Epigenetics

Evolution

1. Definition of evolution and natural selection
2. Examples of evolution

Ecology

1. Ecosystems
2. Effects of humans on natural systems

Biotechnology tools

1. Recombinant DNA
2. Blue-white screening
3. cDNA and genomic libraries
4. PCR/RT-PCR/qPCR
5. Agarose gel electrophoresis
6. SDS-PAGE
7. ELISA
8. DNA microarrays
9. DNA sequencing (chain termination and next generation)
10. CRISPR-Cas9
11. Stem cells/gene therapy (ex vivo/in vivo)
12. Immune system stimulation/modulation and immunotherapy (CAR-T cells)

Applications of biotechnology

1. Human Genome Project and GenBank
2. Microbial
3. Plant/agricultural
4. Animal (production of animal models/transgenic animals
5. Forensics
6. Bioremediation
7. Fuels/Industrial
8. Medical/Pharmaceutical

Ethical, legal, and business aspects of biotechnology

1. Regulatory oversight and current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs)
2. RAC (Recombinant Advisory Committee)
3. Drug development and approval process
4. Intellectual property rights and patents