Cellular and Molecular Biology. Introduction to biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell structure, function and processes. Laboratory required. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Biochemistry is designed to give the student in life sciences, allied health fields, and biotechnology a basic understanding of the biological processes at the molecular, cellular and organismic level. An emphasis is placed on the use of laboratory tools and equipment in order to familiarize the student with current biochemical techniques. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

This course will serve to introduce students to modern biotechnology which is based on recent developments in molecular biology, especially those in genetic engineering and bioengineering. Students will explore the diversity of the field focusing on such areas as medicine, biohazard, bioremediation, biocatalysis, biosafety, agriculture, forensics, quality control and assurance, testing, regulation, law and policy, intellectual property, proteomics, pharmacogenomics, nutrition, and product development. This course will incorporate speakers that are representative of specific areas in biotechnology. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

The first course in a three-part series in the biotechnology program/plan 215. This course stresses an introduction to current concepts and progress in modern molecular biology with emphasis on DNA science and genetic engineering as it applies to molecular, cellular and organismic biology. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. Allowed Repeatable Course: Not more than an accumulated six credit hours will be counted toward graduation.

The second course in a three-part series in the biotechnology program/plan 215. The course stresses the theory and practice of separation techniques and safety procedures that would be employed in the purification and assay of such biomolecules as nucleic acids, proteins and other related substances and the relationship of these molecules to living organisms. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

The third course in a three part series, stresses the theory and practice of current techniques used in DNA science, protein isolation, immunology and introduces selected biotechnology protocols. An emphasis is placed on the use of laboratory tools and equipment in order to familiarize the student with current biochemical techniques. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

This course is designed for students in the life sciences, and biotechnology to understand how plants function at the molecular level and discuss the current advances in plant molecular biology and genetic engineering. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

This course will cover a range of bioinformatics, research using a case-based, problem solving approach. The course will consist of a combined lecturer-computer laboratory format to provide hands-on experience in applying bioinformatics to a variety of research problems, including genomic analysis, DNA microarray analysis, phylogenetics, three-dimensional structure prediction, and proteomics. Special attention will be paid to ethical, legal and personal concerns in the practice of bioinformatics. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Special topics in biology and biotechnology will be discussed along with appropriate lab and/or field trip activities. New developments will be emphasized, especially materials useful in K-12 education and industry. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.