COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: BITC - Biotechnology
BITC 1311. INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY (2-3-3) 41.0101
An introduction to biotechnology including career exploration, history and applications of DNA/RNA technology molecular biology, bioethics, and laboratory safety. The course is supplemented with laboratory exercises, demonstrations and field trips that illustrate the basic techniques of biotechnology including laboratory topics and finally the course concludes with a consideration of bioethical issues relating to this powerful new technology. One year of high school biology and one year of high school chemistry or BIOL 1406, or the equivalent, or Departmental approval. Assessment Levels: R3, E2, M2.
BITC 1370. INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY (2-4-3) 41.0101
Course covers the structure, function, and cellular metabolism of various biomolecules. The course will deal with the intra-and intermolecular conversion of biomolecules. Knowledge in this area is directly applicable to the fields of analysis and processing of biomolecules and their pertinence to biotechnology as it relates to biopharmaceuticals, biodiagnostics, fermentation, and bio-manufacturing. Prerequisite: BITC 1311. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M3.
BITC 1402. BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY METHODS AND TECHNIQUES (3-4-4) 41.0101
Emphasis is on researching information on the computer, laboratory operations and management, equipment and instrumentation, quality control techniques, and safety procedures. Lecture emphasis will be on biochemistry and bioorganic topics including drug discovery. Laboratory practice will be in lab safety, preparing buffer solutions, performing organic chemistry techniques that are used in industry, and the design of enzyme and protein assays. BITC 1311, MATH 1314, and BIOL 1406. Prerequisite: CHEM 1411 (or concurrent enrollment). Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M2.
BITC 1445. MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY. (3-4-4) 41.0101
This course applies to medicine and medical research, and includes molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and AIDS. Course covers the applications of biotechnology to the diagnosis and treatment of disease as well as the development of drugs and therapeutic agents, and emphasizes research and medical-related biotechnology methods and laboratory procedures. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M3.
BITC 1491. INTRODUCTION TO BIOMANUFACTURING (3-4-4) 41.0101
This is a foundation course for the field, introducing basic documentation and standard operating procedures which are commonly used in accordance with Federal Drug Administration guidelines. Upstream processing, which includes the growth and maintenance of cell cultures, use of equipment such as the biological safety cabinet and fermentor, preparation of primary cell cultures, cell preservation techniques, Elisa techniques are all covered. Prerequisite: BITC 1311 or Departmental approval. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M3.
BITC 2350. BIOINFORMATICS (3-0-3) 41.0101
Current topics in bioinformatics and computational biology, and includes methods for high-throughput data collection, storing, and accessing biological data. Course covers programs and algorithms used to analyze data. Prerequisite: BITC 1311. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M3.
BITC 2411. BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY INSTRUMENTATION (3-4-4) 41.0101
Lecture will discuss theory, applications, and operation of various analytical instruments with an emphasis on protein purification in both an R&D laboratory and a biomanufacturing facility. Laboratory exercises will focus on quantitative and qualitative analyses by chromatography, centrifugation, spectrophotometry, and electrophoresis. An introduction to protein bioinformatic tools is included. Prerequisite: BITC 2401 or Departmental approval. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M2.
BITC 2431. CELL CULTURE TECHNIQUES (3-4-4) 41.0101
A study of cell culture techniques, the laboratory emphasizes the principles and practices of initiation, cultivation, maintenance, and the preservation of cell lines including applications such as transfection and project management. Basic immunology including ELISAs and Western Blots are also taught. Prerequisites: BITC 1311 or Departmental approval. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M3.
BITC 2441. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES (3-4-4) 41.0101
An introduction to the theory and laboratory techniques in molecular biology with an emphasis on DNA replication, transcription, gene expression and regulation, recombinant DNA and RNA techniques such as transformation, RT-PCR, Northern blots, microarray analysis and DNA bioinformatic tools. Prerequisites: BIOL1406, BITC 1402 or Departmental approval. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M3.
BITC 2486. INTERNSHIP-BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY/TECHNICIAN I (CAPSTONE) 41.0101
The experience can be internal to the college where the student prepares kits for the Biotechnology Program for distribution under the supervision of a trained DMC instructor. Activities include designing and refining laboratory protocols for the classroom use. Or the experience can be external to the college, where the student is mentored and supervised by a workplace employee. This may be paid or unpaid experience. This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary. (Capstone for Biotechnology certificate or elective for AAS degree). Prerequisites: Assigned by the College. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M3.
BITC 2487. INTERNSHIP-BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY/TECHNICIAN II (CAPSTONE) 41.0101
This is an experience external to the college for an advanced student in a specialized field involving a written agreement between the educational institution and a business or industry partner. Mentored and supervised by a workplace employee, the student achieves objectives that are developed and documented by the college that directly relate to specific occupational outcomes. This may be paid or unpaid experience. This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary. (Capstone course for Biotechnology AAS degree). Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M3.