Description:

This course is an introduction to the theory and laboratory techniques in molecular biology, protein biochemistry and immunology with an emphasis on gene expression and regulation, recombinant DNA, RNA transcription, and protein translation. Laboratory emphasis will be on molecular biological techniques utilized in modern research and industrial laboratories. Techniques include growth and maintenance of E. coli, gene cloning, DNA and protein electrophoresis protein purification and enzymatic and immunology assays. Lecture and laboratory exercises on the principles and practices of initiation, cultivation, maintenance, preservation of cell culture lines and applications will also be covered. 6 hrs. lab/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe the structure, replication and regulation of DNA, RNA and proteins in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.
2. Perform basic laboratory techniques related to macromolecular separation and identification as well as explain the concepts underlying these techniques.
3. Perform basic laboratory techniques related to immunology as well as explain the concepts underlying these techniques.
4. Perform basic laboratory techniques related to tissue culture as well as explain the concepts underlying these techniques.
5. Document, analyze and present data that is generated from course experiments using a Laboratory Notebook.
6. Demonstrate good laboratory etiquette and safety working with equipment, materials and other personnel associated with the procedures conducted in the laboratory.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Review of Central Dogma of Genetics
   A. Describe the structure of DNA and the process of replication.
   B. Explain the process of RNA transcription.
   C. Outline protein translation and describe the four levels of protein
structure.

II. Basic Molecular Biology Techniques
   A. Accurately and safely measure all chemicals as required by course
protocols.
   B. Perform various types of electrophoresis, including agarose and
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
   C. Perform various types of chromatography, including gel filtration
and ion exchange chromatography.
   D. Propagate, maintain and manipulate E. coli cultures according to
standard aseptic technique as needed to perform a variety of procedures.

III. DNA Methods
   A. Extract and isolate both chromosomal and plasmid DNA from E. coli.
   B. Analyze and map restriction enzyme cleavage sites on chromosomal
and
plasmid DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis.
   C. Perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and relate its use in
typing human DNA.
   D. Perform a Southern blot and describe its use in DNA fingerprinting.
   E. Conduct dideoxy-DNA sequencing and apply its use to the Human
Genome
Project and bioinformatics.
   F. Perform a bacterial transformation with a plasmid and analyze the
results to determine the success of the transformation.

IV. Protein Methods
   A. Extract and purify a restriction enzyme from E. coli by ion
exchange
chromatography.
   B. Quantify the amount of protein purified using a standard protein
assay.
   C. Determine the molecular weight of protein using polyacrylamide gel
electrophoresis (PAGE).
   D. Calculate total and specific enzyme activity.

V. Tissue Culture Techniques
   A. Explain methods used to isolate cells and/or tissues from plants
and
animals.
   B. Describe methods used to grow and maintain cells in culture.
   C. Maintain cells in tissue culture for the prescribed amount of time.

VI. Immunology Methods
   A. Perform an Ouchteriony procedure and explain the antigen-antibody
interaction it demonstrates.
   B. Conduct a simulation of HIV-1 detection, including enzyme-linked
immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and Western blot methods.
   C. Perform a quantitative ELISA to determine concentrations of viral
antigens.

VII. Laboratory Etiquette
   A. Maintain a neat, detailed, organized and accurate laboratory
notebook.
   B. Participate in maintaining a clean, safe and organized laboratory.
   C. Properly use and care for laboratory equipment.
   D. Identify and properly handle all chemicals according to appropriate
chemical safety guidelines.
   E. Identify and properly handle all biologicals according to
appropriate biosafety guidelines.
   F. Dispose of all reagents, chemical and biological, according to
established procedures.
   G. Communicate with others in the laboratory, especially lab partner
and instructor.
   H.  Prepare a scientific paper based upon an experiment performed in
the laboratory.

VIII. Common Methods and Applications of Medical Biotechnology
   A. Review the process and use of gene therapy.
   B. Compare and contrast the types of vaccines in uses including their
method of manufacture.
   C. Summarize the types of synthetic drugs and their development.

IX. Forensic Science and DNA Profiling
   A. Discuss the legal and technical requirements of forensic science
pertaining to:
      1. Evidence gathering and conservation.
      2. Interpretation of evidence.
      3. Reliability of technology employed.
   B. Describe the methods used in DNA profiling.
   C. Outline DNA databases and their use in profiling.

X. Regulations and Patent Processes that Govern Biotechnology
   A. Identify the regulatory agencies that govern biotechnology.
   B. Recognize the risks of biotechnology products to the public and
interpret how regulations work to decrease the risk.
   C. Outline the process used in patent plants and animals.

XI. Ethical Issues Associated with Biotechnology
   A. Evaluate the public concerns with engineered plants and foods.
   B. Summarize the ethical, legal and social implications of the Human
Genome Project.
   C. Acknowledge both sides of the argument regarding the ethical use of
biotechnology.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Exams/Papers            55%- 70% of grade
Laboratory Manual       30%- 45% of grade


   Grading Scale:
      A = 90 – 100%     
      B = 80 -  89%   
      C = 70 -  79%   
      D = 60 -  69%   
      F =  0 -  59%     

Caveats:

1. Computer Literacy Expectations: Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.