Introduces biotechnology concepts to the general education student. Investigates the science of biotechnology and its applications in fields of human endeavor, and the ethical implications of this rapidly-expanding technology. Topics include crime scene forensics, genetically modified organisms, stem cell research, gene therapy, medical diagnosis and genetic screening, and bioterrorism, among others. Especially relevant for non-scientists interested in medicine, law, journalism, or education. Integrated lecture and lab gives students the opportunity to have hands-on experience in biotechnology techniques.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
This course will provide general education students with a basic understanding of the science of biotechnology, its impact on our lives, and the scientific and ethical questions it can raise.
- Introduction to Biotechnology: What is it?
- CSI: How is biotechnology really used in criminal investigations?
- Frankenberries: Not just a breakfast cereal. What are they really?
- rBST and your milk: What is this and why don’t Ben and Jerry use it?
- Genetic diagnosis: Would you want your insurance company to know if you had a fatal genetic disease?
- Embryonic screening: Designer babies or preventing genetic diseases?
- Bioterrorism: Can germ warfare wipe out the world?
- Bioremediation: Can microbes clean the world?
- Gene therapy: Fixing genetic problems
- Aquaculture: An example of genetic pollution?
- Designer drugs: Tailoring treatment to the individual
- Define biotechnology and give examples of how it affects our lives.
- Explain how genes are cloned and some of the uses of cloned genes.
- Explain how recombinant proteins can be used in medicine, food production, and industry.
- Describe how genetically modified microbes can be used to benefit and harm humans.
- Discuss how genetically modified plants and animals are produced, and how they are different from non-genetically modified organisms.
- Explain how genetic fingerprinting is performed and perform a simple DNA fingerprint analysis.
- Explain how biotechnology can be used to clean up the environment.
- Discuss some of the applications of biotechnology in the medical field and explain how they work.
- *Discuss ethical issues involved in applying biotechnology.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessments may include exams and quizzes, classroom presentations, in-class exercises, and written reports.
Thieman, W. J., and M. A. Palladino. 2009. Introduction to Biotechnology, 2nd ed. Pearson. (or similar text)
Outcomes
- Natural Sciences
- Scientific Reasoning
- Category 6: Natural Sciences (Lecture Only)
- Category 6: Natural Sciences (Lecture and Lab)