Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) hardware and software operations and their applications in drafting; basic shape description, display, editing, dimensioning and plotting.
Introduction to engineering and technical drawing techniques, the systems of drawings and their applications in design, and the basic shape description of products. Technical sketching; dimensioning; sections and applications of orthographic projection standards in technical documents.
Advanced AutoCAD techniques including 3D modeling and rendering, customization, external references, and data linking and management.
In-depth coverage of current recombinant DNA methods and concepts of modern genomics. Emphasis on laboratory work using techniques such as culture of bacteria, DNA and RNA purification, plasmid DNA construction, cDNA synthesis, real-time PCR, and use of software tools to analyze DNA sequences.
Concepts, techniques and applications of mathematics and elementary algebra emphasizing applications to practical problems in biotechnology and chemistry. Use of traditional problem solving methods and interactive group activities.
The theory and practice of current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analytical methods. Laboratory experience in techniques such as multiplex PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), and real-time PCR. Experimental optimization is emphasized.
Introduction to the theoretical aspects and laboratory techniques of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Practical experience performing PCR as well as experimenting with optimization of the reaction. Discussion of applications of PCR used in biotechnology industry, basic science, forensics, epidemiology, diagnostics, and determination of evolutionary relationships.
Underlying principles of immunoassay with focus on Western blots. Discussion of applications of Western blotting techniques used in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical laboratory settings. Laboratory exercises feature hands-on exercises emphasizing all aspects of Western blotting, including running protein gels, blotting, immunodetection, and data analysis.
Underlying principles of immunoassay with focus on ELISA. Examples of ELISA techniques and applications in the pharmaceutical, environmental, biotechnology, and clinical laboratory settings will be discussed. Laboratory exercises and discussions cover qualitative and quantitative data analysis and direct, indirect, sandwich, and competitive ELISA methods.
Development of complex analysis and enhanced scientific presentation skills necessary for continuing students placed in off-campus stem cell biology internships. Students will complete and present a novel research project. Types of internships may include, but are not limited to, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, FACS, cell culture, propagation of iPS cells, immunolocalization, micro array analysis and tumor cell characterization.