SOLUTION AND MEDIA PREPARATION
(BioSc 245, summer quarter)

This is a laboratory course in the preparation of solutions and media commonly used in the biotechnology industry. Media typically used in biotechnology and microbiology laboratories will be prepared according to protocols, autoclaved and poured for use. Below is a list of some of the laboratory procedures that will be performed:

• Preparation of assigned media and solutions
• Calculations required for solution and media preparation
• Use of Mettler scales, pH meters, pipettors, centrifuges and stir plates
• Autoclave, centrifuge and filter sterilization
• Storage considerations
• Standard laboratory operating and safety procedures
• Hazard categories, MSDS and disposal procedures
• FDA quality control requirements, documentation, reproducibility

• Download the course syllabus 

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(BioSc 250/251, fall quarter)

This course examines the molecular structures and processes that underlie cellular function. Students completing the course will have the fundamental knowledge necessary to understand current research in molecular biology. The following laboratory procedures will be performed in the lab portion of the class:

• Aseptic techniques for bacterial transfers
• Use of pH meters and spectrophotometers
• Extraction and quantification of chromosomal DNA using UV absorbance and ethidium bromide
• Restriction digestion of lambda phage DNA and agarose gel electrophoresis
• Transformation of E. coli with plasmids
• Protein assay: Lowry Method
• Enzyme assays
• Sephadex column chromatography
• Ammonium sulfate protein purification
• Protein gel electrophoresis: SDS-polyacrylamide gel
• Western blots for isolation of specific proteins

• Download the course syllabus 

RECOMBINANT DNA
(BioSc 265, winter quarter)

This basic course explores the theory and concepts of recombinant DNA techniques. The following laboratory procedures will be performed in the lab portion of the class:

• Growth and maintenance of E. coli and lambda phage
• Plaque assays for viral titers
• Isolation and gel analysis of plasmid DNA
• Preparation and analysis of vectors, ligation
• Transformation with pLUX2 and pUC19 genes
• Restriction analysis of recombinant plasmids
• DNA sequencing and use of GenBank to compare with known sequences
• Southern blots for isolation of specific DNA fragments
• Polymerase chain reaction and gel analysis of products
• Polaroid photography of gels
• Internet and World Wide Web searches

• Download the course syllabus 

IMMUNOLOGY
(BioSc 270, spring quarter)

This course focuses on the concepts necessary to understand basic immunology, including antigen and antibody structure and function, the genetic basis of antibody production, humoral and cellular based immunity, role of the major histocompatibility complex, control mechanisms, autoimmunity, innate and acquired immunity. The following laboratory procedures will be performed:

• Quantitative immunoassays such as dot blots
• Immunoaffinity columns for protein purification
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)
• Antigen isolation techniques using primary and secondary antibodies
• Monoclonal antibody techniques

• Download the course syllabus 

BIOTECHNOLOGY TECHNIQUES
(BioSc 275, spring quarter)

This laboratory course will focus on the techniques currently prevalent in the manufacturing and production aspect of the biotechnology industry. The main focus of the course is on the isolation and purification of proteins. The following laboratory procedures will be performed in the lab portion of the class:

• Cation-anion exchange chromatography
• Protein isolation using hydrophobic interactions
• High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for protein purification
• Ultrafiltration for protein concentration
• Isoelectric focusing
• Exposure to good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality control
• FDA regulations, clinical trials
• Biological potency assays, such as receptor binding assays

• Download the course syllabus 

TISSUE CULTURE AND STAINING
(BioSc 260, summer quarter)

This is an introductory course in the theory and concepts of animal cell and tissue culturing. Students will learn the fundamentals in tissue culture techniques, subculturing and maintenance of cell lines. The following laboratory procedures will be performed in the lab portion of the class:

• Use of CO2 incubators, laminar flow hood and inverted microscope
• Cell counting techniques; hemocytometer and coulter counter
• Preparation of media for tissue culture
• Sterile techniques and safety procedures
• Initiation and maintenance of primary cell culture, adherent and suspension cell lines
• Isolation of mouse tumor cells or fibroblasts and maintenance in culture
• Cell viability testing
• Staining techniques used for various cell types
• Bioassays and toxicology testing
• Genetic manipulation of tissue culture cells through transfection

• Download the course syllabus 

SKILL UPGRADE SHORT COURSES

This ongoing training program helps technicians and research assistants expand and update their skill base and enhance their employability. The courses were developed by a consortium of biotech and biomedical industry representatives and are taught by industry experts in the evenings or on weekends.

• Flow Cytometry (download syllabus )
• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (download syllabus )
• Applied Math for Biotechnology (download syllabus )
• Cloning and Expression ((download syllabus )
• Plant and Animal Tissue Culture (download syllabus )
• Introduction to Bioinformatics (download syllabus )
• Regulatory Affairs

• Download the Biotech Upgrade Training Program Brochure