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Dakota College at Bottineau Course Syllabus
Course Prefix/Number/Title
: BIOL 200 – Biotech and Laboratory Techniques
Number of credits
: 4
Course Description
:
This course is designed to introduce students to the skills and protocols used in modern
laboratories for Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the health sciences, academic research, forensic and
industrial applications of biotechnology.
Pre-/Co-requisites
: None
Course Objectives
:
Successful completion of this course enables students to:
1)
Demonstrate an understanding of required safety practices and
procedures in the classroom and laboratory environment.
2) Understand the basis for biotechnology products and how such
products affect the quality of life.
2)
Analyze macroinvertebrate sampling as related to water quality and Fish and Wildlife
diet and stomach contents. Learn EPA Rapid bioassessment protocols for water quality.
Understand basic soil and water quality testing procedures. These tests are often needed
in basic Fish and Wildlife and Environmental lab research.
3)
Analyze careers in research and development, human health
and diagnostics, biomanufacturing, environmental applications, and agriculture that
utilize biotechnology. Students seeking to become a lab tech will be exposed to possible
career paths positions related to lab work in Fish and Wildlife jobs and in the medical,
agricultural, and industrial fields.
4) Utilize electrophoresis, chromatography, microscopy and spectrophotometry to
identify, separate and to draw conclusions about biological molecules. These skills are
used in basic tests that environmental Techs, lab techs and medical technicians perform.
5) Compare and contrast common organisms used in biotechnology and relate the
manipulation of living organisms to product and procedure development.
6) Demonstrate how manipulation of nucleic acids through
genetic engineering (recombinant DNA and RNA technologies) alters the function of
proteins and subsequent cellular processes. These skills are essential skills utilized in the
development and analysis of Fish and Wildlife management and conservation plans.
Additionally, these are essential skills for technicians working in the health sciences and
environmental compliance.