MCCCD Program Description

Nucleic Acid Methods

Course: BIO208

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lec + Lab 3.0 Credit(s) 6.0 Period(s) 6.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T Lab Load

Description: Intensive introduction to laboratory methods for the isolation, purification, manipulation analysis and quantification of nucleic acids.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic laboratory protocol and safety principles. (I) 2. Describe the basic structure and biochemistry of the nucleic acids. (II) 3. Demonstrate basic aseptic techniques and explain the important role bacteria play in laboratory-based biotechnology. (I) 4. Grow cells using basic cell culture techniques. (I) 5. Isolate deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from cells. (II, III) 6. Define recombinant DNA molecule. (III) 7. Construct and characterize a recombinant DNA molecule. (III, IV) 8. Describe the use of restriction enzymes in the creation of recombinant DNA molecules. (III, IV) 9. Describe the use of restriction enzymes in identity and diagnostic technologies. (V) 10. Isolate ribonucleic acid (RNA). (VI) 11. Quantify DNA and RNA using ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrum (VIS) spectrometry. (III, VI) 12. Perform analyses of DNA and RNA with electrophoresis and visualization techniques. (III, VI) 13. Perform PCR amplification on nucleic acid samples. (IV, VI) 14. Discuss the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in areas such as forensics and healthcare diagnostics. (V) 15. Describe the different modes of gene transfer. (III) 16. Describe the various types of gene transfer vectors currently available, indicating their relative advantages and limitations. (III) 17. Use probes to detect specific nucleic acid sequences. (IV) 18. Describe current approaches to DNA sequencing. (IV) 19. Define bioinformatics. (IV) 20. Use bioinformatic strategies to characterize nucleic acid sequences. (IV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Fundamental laboratory practices A. Laboratory Protocol B. Material safety data sheet (MSDS) forms C. Biohazard labels D. Proper storage and disposal of chemicals and agents used in the biotechnology laboratory E. Aseptic technique and the role of microbiology in biotechnology F. Basic cell culture techniques II. Nucleic acid biochemistry A. Structure and physical characteristics of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) B. Structure and physical characteristics of ribonucleic acid (RNA) C. Isolation of DNA and RNA from various cell types, including bacteria, plant and animal III. Recombinant DNA technology A. History of approach and current applications B. Restriction enzyme digestion C. Ligation D. Cloning vectors E. Methods of gene transfer including transformation, transfection and transduction F. DNA gel electrophoresis and visualization of product G. Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy for DNA quantification and purity estimates H. Plasmid isolation, purification and quantification IV. Characterization of recombinant molecules A. Restriction mapping B. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) C. Hybridization reactions D. DNA sequencing E. Bioinformatics F. Analysis of nucleic acid sequence V. Use of biotechnology in identity testing and healthcare A. Diagnosis of disease and forensics B. Restriction enzyme based diagnostics C. PCR technology D. PCR based diagnostics VI. RNA laboratory methods A. Laboratory precautions B. RNA isolation from cells C. UV spectroscopy for RNA quantification and purity estimates D. RNA electrophoresis and visualization E. PCR methods

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 28, 2016

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.