Biotechnology Laboratory Technician (BTN)

Introduces students to laboratory focused concepts and skills necessary for entry-level positions in a biotechnology laboratory. Exposes students to selected laboratory exercises that parallel the concepts introduced in BTN 103 and BTN 104. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours). Lab: 1.0 credit (30 contact hours).

Introduces current and future applications of biotechnology. Covers biotechnology career opportunities and bioethics. Lecture: 1.0 credit (15 contact hours).

Introduces students to basic scientific language and concepts of biotechnology. Academic study skills needed for success in bioscience courses will be emphasized. Covered topics parallel the concepts introduced in BTN 100 and BTN 104. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces concepts of basic laboratory calculations emphasizing practical applications in biotechnology laboratories. Covered topics parallel the concepts introduced in BTN 100 and BTN 103. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces concepts, techniques, and applications of common basic laboratory calculations that are routinely used in the biotechnology laboratory. Emphasizes application of basic computational concepts required of biotechnicians. Requires students to apply strategies to calculate amounts of chemicals required to make solutions, calibrate instruments, collect data, and interpret data. Introduces some computer applications. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces methods and strategies necessary for written, oral, and visual communications as they are used in popular science. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Covers theory of DNA structure and function. Emphasizes laboratory skills in a variety of DNA manipulations. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Surveys basic biomanufacturing principles and procedures designed to assure the quality and safety of a product as the manufacturing team moves the product down the biotechnology production pipeline. Introduces upstream and downstream manufacturing processes through a combination of lecture and laboratory activities. Emphasizes the role of government oversight and regulation during discovery, development, and manufacturing of bioproducts as outlined in the Good Laboratory and Good Manufacturing Practices (GLP and GMP) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Introduces students to combustion fuels made from nonpetroleum sources, and includes topics on feedstocks, processing, utilization, and social impacts. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Introduces the concepts and tools used in the application of information technology to the field of biology. Includes methods for data collection, storing and accessing biological data, fundamentals of sequence alignment, biological molecule structure prediction, and data mining and analysis. Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Applies concepts introduced in BTN 125 in the design and implementation of basic programming relating to bioinformatics problems. Emphasizes current trends in bioinformatics programming language, databases, and technology. Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Introduces theory and methods relating to applications of biotechnology in agriculture. Emphasizes emerging laboratory technologies in the area of agricultural biotechnology including food and natural resource management. Explores plant and animal genetic engineering. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Introduces theory and techniques for media and solution preparations, use of analytical equipment, and laboratory safety. Includes various nucleic acid techniques, gene expression and purification, and bioinformatics. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Covers various protein techniques, extraction and purification, and assays. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Covers use of cell culture in modern biotechnological applications with emphasis on laboratory skills in a variety of cell culture techniques. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Covers immunological theory and applications with focus on techniques such as isolation, purification, and labeling of antibody molecules. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Introduces the strategies to purify proteins as part of a biotechnology process. Introduces specific methods such as activity assays for enzymes, extraction of proteins from bacterial cells, salting out, dialysis, ion exchange chromatography, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Lecture: 2.0 credits (30 contact hours). Lab: 2.0 credits (60 contact hours).

Investigates specific topics or problems in the field of the biotechnology under direction of the faculty. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Laboratory varies with credit. Lab: 1.0 - 3.0 credits (30-90 contact hours).

Provides contextual, real-world experience and an opportunity to reinforce previously learned concepts, skills, and critical thinking ability related to business and technical job functions typical of biotechnology companies. Prepares students to conduct mentored activities on various workforce projects assigned by Biotechnology faculty/ staff or in collaboration with biotechnology companies at the Learning Laboratory. Emphasizes twenty-first century skills and workforce readiness. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Practicum: 1.0 - 8.0 credits (60-480 contact hours).

Addresses recent trends and discoveries in selected areas of biotechnology in a seminar format. Emphasizes discussion and critical thinking. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits if topics and/or learning outcomes vary. Lecture: 1.0 - 3.0 credits (15-45 contact hours).