MCCCD Program Description

Biotechnology and Society I

Course: BIO106

First Term: 2001 Fall

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: Introduction to biotechnology and its impact on society. Covers applications, limitations, benefits, risks, and legal and moral issues associated with biotechnology

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Define the term biotechnology, and access current research in the field. (I) 2. Describe the characteristics of DNA, and explain its uses in biotechnology. (II) 3. Explain the concept of gene expression. (III) 4. Explain recombinant gene methodology, cloning, and genetic engineering. (IV) 5. Define and explain DNA probes, DNA fingerprinting, and DNA amplification. (V) 6. Explain the function of the healthy immune system, the concept of genetic disease, and the application of gene therapy to genetic disease. (VI) 7. Define the term designer drug, and explain the pros and cons of synthetically or genetically engineering pharmaceuticals. (VII) 8. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering in agriculture. (VIII) 9. Explain how pharmaceuticals can be made by farm animals. (IX) 10. Define the term bioremediation, and explain the advantages and disadvantages of applying biotechnological solutions to environmental problems. (X) 11. Define the term underwater drugs, and explain how aquatic life might contribute to the advancement of biotechnology. (XI) 12. Describe applications of biotechnology in creating fast- growing and healthy trees. (XII) 13. Explain ethical issues related to biotechnology in the areas of environmental safety and food safety, and identify some of the economic, moral, ethical, and legal issues surrounding biotechnology. (XIII) 14. Explain the concept of gene therapy, and identify advantages and disadvantages of its use. (XIV) 15. Describe the Human Genome Project (HGP) and the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Project. (XV)
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. Biotechnology: What Is It? A. Definition of term B. Current research II. DNA A. Characteristics of DNA B. Uses of DNA in biotechnology III. Genetic Code and Proteins A. Concepts of molecular biology B. Gene expression C. Gene anatomy D. Role of DNA in gene expression E. mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA IV. Tools in the Genetic Engineering Workshop A. Recombinant DNA methodology B. Cloning C. Current research V. DNA Probes, Fingerprinting, and Amplification A. Uses of DNA probes B. Applications of DNA fingerprinting C. PCR amplified DNA VI. Biotechnology and the Body A. Immune system functioning B. Genetic disease C. Gene therapy VII. Designer Drugs A. Definition of term B. Synthetic and genetic engineering of pharamceuticals VIII. Biotechnology on the Farm A. Genetic engineering in agriculture B. Risks and benefits IX. Farmer-ceuticals A. Manufacture of pharmaceuticals by farm animals B. Advantages and disadvantages X. Biotechnology and the Environment A. Bioremediation B. The role of microorganisms in environmental biotechnology C. Reducing PCBs and PCPs D. Biofuels XI. Biotechnology in the Sea A. Underwater drugs B. Aquatic microbes, marine life, and underwater plants in biotechnology XII. Biotechnology in the Trees A. Enhancing tree growth B. Improving tree health XIII. Ethical Issues in Biotechnology A. Environmental safety B. Food safety C. Social and economic effects D. Moral issues E. Regulation XIV. Pros and Cons of Gene Therapy A. Definition B. Advantages and disadvantages XV. The Human Genome Project (HGP) A. Gene mapping B. Purpose of the project C. Pros and cons D. Predictive medical screening E. Genetic discrimination F. Genetic Privacy Act G. The Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Program

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 6/26/2001

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.