Applied aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology in various fields, with emphasis on the use of recombinant DNA methods and protein engineering.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: A term paper is required.
Athena Title
Biotechnology
Prerequisite
(BCMB 3100 or BCMB 3100E or BCMB 4010/6010) and GENE 3200-3200D
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will identify unmet needs that could be addressed using biological products.
Students will describe the sources and types of biomaterials that are commercially available.
Students will summarize fundamental technologies that form the basis of modern biotechnology.
Students will become familiar with examples of biotech companies across the domains of life science.
Students will analyze biotech company data to make and defend mock investment decisions and determine returns on investment.
Students will survey literature and patents to select a discovery around which to form a mock biotech company.
Students will conceptualize the mock company from scientific discovery through to a business plan.
Students will become familiar with leadership roles in biotech companies, including the information and decision-making for which each executive is responsible
Students will communicate orally and in writing about the company, including the founding discovery, the market, and the business model.
Students will employ a “shark tank” style approach to evaluate mock companies both scientifically and in terms of investment potential.
Topical Outline
Introduction to Biotechnology
Biotech stock watch assignment; Overview of biotechnology companies
DNA Sequencing and Functional Genomics
Genome Editing
Synthetic Biology
Biomanufacturing & Bioprocessing
Biologics I and Biotechnology of Plastics
Bt Plants, InsectiGen, GMO Plants
The Story of Femasys
Drug discovery and development
Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
Inexpensive glycoconjugate vaccines for livestock
Innovative Drug Discovery: Harnessing Nature, Human Expertise, and AI
Regenerative Biotechnology
Cancer therapeutics
Emerging Therapeutics based on mRNA and Gene Editing
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
