MWCC College Catalog — Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing

BTC101 INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY (WITH APPLICATION)

4 credits
This course designed to acquaint students with the diverse field of biotechnology. Topics will include a brief history of biotechnology, job opportunities in biotechnology, recombinant DNA and protein products, microbial biotechnology, plant biotechnology, medical biotechnology, and DNA fingerprinting and forensic analysis. Current ethical issues such as stem cell research and cloning will also be discussed. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, MAT096, or placement.

BTC102 BASIC SOLUTION AND MEDIA PREPARATION

3 credits
Topics in this course designed to develop fundamental skills in the set up of typical growth plates and media used in standard culturing of microorganisms or tissue culture as well as preparation of common solutions and reagents. In addition, students will develop fundamental skills in the use, maintenance, and calibration of common laboratory instruments like spectrophotometers and pH meters. Principles of laboratory safety, documentation, and the use of computers in the lab will also be covered. The practical aspect of the course involves preparation of media for numerous biology classes currently offered. Prerequisites: ENG100, RDG100, MAT096, or placement.

BTC110 BIOTECH EXPERIENCE: CONCEPTS AND PROCEDURES

4 credits
The first of two experiential, cornerstone courses in Biotechnology. The course begins by introducing the student to the role of the technician in biotechnology and GLP (or Good Laboratory Principles). An exploration of the principles of molecular genetics will be provided, including lecture topics in transcription, translation and protein expression in prokaryotes, and eukaryotes. Included in the course will be a hands-on exposure to biotechnology research tools and protocols used for DNA isolation, gene mapping, DNA fingerprinting, gene cloning, gene expression and regulation, gene sequencing, mRNA isolation, and protein isolation and identification. Prerequisites: BTC101, 102, CHE203.

BTC120 BIOTECH EXPERIENCE: BIOMANUFACTURING

4 credits
The second of two experiential courses, this course begins by introducing the student to the proteins and companies of biotechnology and to CGMP (current good manufacturing practices). In the remainder of the course students use bacteria, mammalian, and yeast cells to produce human proteins using tools and standard manufacturing operating procedures of biotechnology, including upstream and downstream processing of proteins and quality control of protein production. Prerequisite: BTC110.

BTC200 BIOTECHNOLOGY SEMINAR

4 credits
Students in the biotechnology degree or certificate will complete a 260 hour practicum experience assigned to a mentor(s) in a regional biomanufacturing facility. Students will apply the principles acquired in previous biotech courses to industry settings as they progress toward proficiency in bench lab skills. The seminar section of the class with meeting times set by arrangement will focus on the industry as a whole and utilize the case study method to develop a deep understanding of the biomanufacturing industry. Prerequisites: BTC110, and BTC120 (or as co-requisite).