Introduction to Biotechnology

Professor: Dave Ricca

Summer 2024 | 4 Credit Hours

Important Pages

Most useful course information can be found in the syllabus, the modules page (for all work and content for assignments can be found), and this home page where you are now (for all announcements). This text file showing materials needed each week can be treated as an updated lab schedule.

Successful Transformations & Restriction Digests

Pictures of plates from our second and successful transformation can be found in the transformation module and our successful gel can be found in the restriction digest module.

Even More Transformations

Look over the lab manual for Edvotek #222. The lab came in Friday so we'll be doing transformations using the gfp plasmid we isolated last week along with the one that comes with the kit.

More Transformations

Our transformations did not take as well as I hoped. Dr. Bayala Thinks this may be due to our using old plasmid so I asked him to order me a nice fresh new Edvotek transformation kit. Look over the procedure for Kit #222 as well as the procedure for isolating plasmid DNA found in this module.

Reminder: No class Next Wednesday (8/21)

Remember, there is no class next Wednesday (8/21). I'll see you on 8/28. We'll try purifying plasmids from the bacteria we transformed.

Revised Transformation Lab Procedure

I've uploaded a revised procedure that we will be using for this lab. I'll hand out copies in class tonight (8/7).

Protein Synthesis Simulation

Check out the instructions in this module and go to the protein synthesis simulation. Try it as many times as you like and bring in your best version of the printed grade sheet. Note, if the program doesn't seem to work, or save content, then check your cookie settings.

Welcome to Introduction to Biotechnology

This purpose of this course is to teach students the basics in how to work in a biotechnology lab, particularly with respect to methods that involve DNA manipulation and protein expression in cells. Although the priority will be on practical lab experience, students will also learn facts and concepts that underpin those methods as well as general facts and history related to biotechnology.

Be sure to get the textbook as described in the syllabus as well as a bound (sewn, not spiral-bound) lab notebook. A lined notebook is good. A notebook printed with graph paper is better. Lab instructions will be provided in the Canvas modules. They should be read before the labs should be performed.

Successful completion of the course will require 1. well-performed lab work where you focus on actual, marketable skills, 2. short matching (or multiple choice) quizzes on lecture content (from the text book) and lab work (including from the lab instructions), and 3. clear and accurate documentation of lab work in lab reports and a lab notebook.

Students will be expected to work from the instructions provided by company from which we get our lab kits. This will best approximate conditions in a real lab. I'll be there to help as needed. Course pacing (when particular assignments are started) will depend on the progress of the class.

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce the student to the role of biotechnology in the fields of medicine, environmental science, forensics, microbes and agriculture. The student will explore the theory, tools and application behind the genetics involved in these fields. This lab-based, hands-on course will expose the student to the techniques and equipment utilized in scientific laboratories around the world.

To Begin This Course...

Review the Course Syllabus on the Syllabus tab.
Click the Next or Previous buttons to navigate through the course modules.
Watch the QC Canvas Navigation Video for a brief overview of Canvas.
Click the Modules tab to access course content and assignments/assessments.
Click the Start Here button below to continue.

Canvas Accessibility | Canvas Privacy