DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY. Introduction to Biotechnology. Course Syllabus. Biology 268

Transcription

1 DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY Introduction to Biotechnology Course Syllabus Biology 268 Course Description and Rationale: This course introduces both the principles and the applications of recombinant DNA technology to animals, plants and microbial organisms. The course describes the use of genetically engineered products to clean the environment and improve human health. The course is intended for those students interested in pursuing a career in biomedical research laboratory and molecular biotechnology. Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to: 1. Recognize the foundations of modern biotechnology. 2. Develop an appreciation of recombinant DNA technology and explain the principles that form the basis for this technology. 3. Describe the common methods and applications of biotechnology with regards to microorganisms, plants and animals. 4. Describe the common methods and applications of biotechnology with regards to medicine, and the human genome project. 5. Acknowledge both sides of the ethical implications of biotechnology. Instructional Materials: DNA Science: A first course in recombinant DNA technology David Micklos and Greg Freyer, Eds. Molecular Biotechnology Primrose, Ed. Biotechnology: Demystifying the concepts Bourgaize, Jewell, Buiser, Eds. Expected Background: Genetics - clear and detailed understanding of DNA and RNA structure and function - DNA replication, transcription, translation - clear and detailed understanding of gene structure function and regulation - clear and detailed understanding of genetic variation, including mutation, recombination - clear understanding of heredity and evolution - clear understanding of restriction enzymes, DNA ligation, transformation, gene libraries, gene cloning and expression, hybridization, mutagenesis, DNA

2 sequencing, PCR - basic history of science Student Competencies or Outcomes: The student should be able to... o Analyze a research problem and write clear, step-by-step instructions for conducting experiments or testing hypothesis. The student should know that... o Biotechnology has contributed to health improvement in many ways, but its cost and application have led to a variety of controversial social and ethical issues. o The development and use of technologies to maintain, prolong, sustain, or terminate life raise social, moral, ethical, and legal issues. Outline of Subject Matter: I. History of Biology and Biotechnology Definitions of Biotechnology Old Biotechnology Beginnings of Modern Biotechnology Biotechnological Process Overview of Animal, Plant and microbial cultures Single Cell Protein Chapters 1 and 2 in DNA Science (pages 1-37) Chapter 1 in Molecular Biotechnology (pages 3-9) Chapter 1 in Biotechnology (pages 1-22) Chapter 6 in Molecular Biotechnology (pages 78-79) II. Basic Principles of Recombinant DNA Technology Describe the function and use of bacterial restriction endonucleases. Describe the natural occurrence of cloning and the human applications of the process. Explain the methods of cell transformation and selection of recombinants. EXAM I Chapter 3 in DNA Science (pages 39-60) Chapter 2 in Molecular Biotechnology (pages 13-26) Chapter 8 in Biotechnology Review the different DNA sequencing methods, especially the Sanger method Explain the methods of Making probes: nick translation, random primer methods, non-radioactive probes, autoradiography principles Explain the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

3 Summarize the various methods used to study proteins including chromatography and gel electrophoresis. c-dna Libraries and Genomic Libraries Direct (Vectorless) Gene Transfer and Transfection Techniques Nuclear Transfer Technology DNA Microarray Technology Chapters 2 and 3 in Molecular Biotechnology (pages 27-41) Chapter 4 in DNA Science (pages 61-85) Chapter 9 in Biotechnology EXAM II III. Common Methods and Applications of Animal, Human and Medical Biotechnology Describe gene transfer methods in animals. Define the role of transgenic animals. Discuss various methods of animal propagation. Describe the goals of the Human Genome Project (HGP). List applications of HGP including genetic testing, screening and therapy. Review the process and use of gene therapy. Monoclonal Antibody Technology Compare and contrast the types of vaccines in use including their method of manufacture. Molecular Biology of Cancer Chapter 9 in Biotechnology Chapter 10 in Biotechnology Chapter 11 in Biotechnology (pages ) Chapters 12 and 14 in Biotechnology IV. Common Methods and Applications of Plant Biotechnology Describe the techniques used in plant tissue culture. Identify a variety of uses of plant genetic engineering. Review the safety issues that must be addressed with food plants. Chapters 12 and 13 in Molecular Biotechnology (pages ) V. Common Methods and Applications of Microbial and Environmental Biotechnology Review the commercial production of methods using microogranisms. Identify a variety of products from microorganisms. Describe examples of bioremediation and their impact on the environment Discuss Biotechnological Advances in Wastewater Treatment

4 Chapters 5 and 6 in Molecular Biotechnology (pages 61-99, only material that relates to lecture) VI. Patents and Ethical Issues Associated with Biotechnology Introduce the concept of patents Evaluate the public concerns and risks associated with genetic engineering Summarize the ethical, legal and social implications of Biotechnology Acknowledge both sides of the argument regarding the ethical use of biotechnology. Chapters 15 and 17 in Biotechnology Focus Questions: FINAL EXAM What is Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering? What is the history of biotechnology? What are the various applications of Biotechnology? What are appropriate techniques in setting up animal tissue cultures? How can we propagate plant tissue using tissue culture techniques? Why are bacteria and viruses essential tools of biotechnology? What is the value of gel electrophoresis in biotechnology? What is the role of biotechnology in our society? What are the ethics of genetic engineering and biotechnology? Assignments: There will be three non-comprehensive examinations in this course. The distribution of percentages on exams is as such: Exam I Midterm Final Exam 25% of grade 25% of grade 45% of grade Participation: Students are expected to attend lectures regularly and take an active role in this course. Class participation will be assessed through contributions to class discussions and attendance. This will contribute to 5% of your grade. Alternative Resources: DNA Fingerprinting Dispute Laid To Rest, Nature, 27 Oct Freezing Human Embryos - Value Dilemmas, Bioscience, Jan Religious Leaders Oppose Patenting Genes and Animals, Science, 26 May 1995 NIH Gets The Green Light On Embryo Research, Nature, 29 Sept Religious Leaders Prepare To Fight Patent On Genes, New York Times, 13 May 1995

5 'Humanized' Pig Hearts To Solve Supply Problem, St. Paul Pioneer Press, May 24, 1995 Ethics and Embryos, Newsweek, June 12, 1995 Helping Your Friends Make Genetic Engineering Choices, Nutrition Today, 4 July/August 1994 Cloning: Where Do We Draw The Line?, Time, Nov. 8, 1993 The Genetic Revolution, Time, Jan. 17, 1994 Bioethics: Science, June 28, 1996 Internet Resources: Human Genome Project Information: Biotechnology Information Center: National Center for Biotechnology Information: UW Biotechnology Center: The Biotech BiblioNet: Todays News Biotechnology: Science/Biology/Biotechnology: Biotechnology Information, Advocacy and Business Support: