Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

Per request from Jennifer Pelton on 12/27; this 2 of 2 courses (for a Math and Science) to be approved to meet competency requirements

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In Biotechnology; students will be introduced to the tools and techniques of Biotechnology in order to explore how biotechnology affects society. We will start with standard lab operating procedures. Students will learn how to use biotechnology equipment; including pipet pumps; micropipette; centrifuges; and spectrophotometers. Students will also learn sterile technique; solution preparation; media preparation; DNA and protein extraction; gel electrophoresis; and transformation. It is expected that by the end of the academic year that students can be given a sample of bacteria and with that bacteria they can culture; grow; incubate; make and insert a plasmid (transform). Students can then extract the new DNA and run it in a gel and confirm transformation.

Studying Biotechnology has always been relevant in the SF Bay Area; but during this time of COVID-19; it is particularly relevant to everyday life. We will discuss how biotechnological products are used in COVID-19 testing; treatments; and vaccines; and how the development of these products uses biotechnology tools and processes. We will also discuss other aspects of how Biotechnology is influencing and is influenced by society; both positively and negatively.

This class is a Dual Enrollment course with Skyline Community College. This means that the course material is equivalent to the BTEC 400 course at Skyline; and students will earn college credit for completing the class. This partnership benefits Biotechnology students immensely - Skyline has generously purchased materials for at-home lab kits as well as offering curricular support for the class.

Course Objectives:

• Demonstrate Standard Lab Operating Procedures (SLOP) for common Biotechnology lab tools and techniques
• Describe the impact of biotechnology on society
• Maintain documentation and records of all laboratory activities in a legal scientific notebook
• Spend approximately 3-4 hours per week on laboratory activities

Major Projects/Units:

**Note: Classwork is variable depending on the structure and schedule decided upon by the district. Some units may be changed if we are not able to return safely to lab in October.

Fall Semester (8/17-12/17) - The Tools of Biotechnology:

Unit 1: Orientation

• Paperwork & New Hire Activities
• Laboratory Safety

Unit 2: Intro to Biotechnology

• What is Biotechnology?
• How do Biotechnology companies operate & what makes them successful?

Unit 3: Measurement & Solution Tools

• Tools of Measurement
• Solution Preparation

Unit 4: Biological & Molecular Tools

• Model Organisms
• DNA
• Proteins & Enzymes

Spring Semester (1/6-6/4) - Analytical Techniques of Biotechnology:†

Unit 5: Biochemical Techniques

• Enzymes in Industry
• Allergy Testing

Unit 6: Light-Based Techniques

• Spectrophotometry & Beer?s Law
• Bradford Assays

Unit 7: Electrical Techniques

• Gel Electrophoresis

Unit 8: Genetic Engineering Techniques

• Bacterial Transformation

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School country

School state

School city

School / district Address

School zip code

Requested competency code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• CTE
• Career and technical education

• LINT
• Integrated science

Approved date

Online / Virtual