Biotechnology has rapidly expanded the development of microbiological and genetic processes and products to improve human lives over the past century. This module defines biotechnology and helps students identify the jobs, institutions and regulatory organizations of the biotechnology industry. Students will also learn to recognize the three domains of life and the differences between ancient, classical and modern biotechnologies.

In this module, students will explore the basic techniques and concepts related to genetic engineering, such as the fundamental differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the minimal parts necessary to make a cell and the four macromolecules.

Students will also learn how to culture and isolate bacteria, explain and interpret the Kirby Bauer disc assay and describe the techniques and tools of bacterial transformation and eukaryotic transfection.  

The nucleus of every human cell holds a complete set of chromosomes, including almost all a person’s DNA. The ability to extract, analyze and compare DNA has been the catalyst for many different scientific applications.

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• describe the structures and functions of both DNA and RNA
• explain the processes and enzymes involved in DNA replication, eukaryotic and prokaryotic protein synthesis
• understand the tools and techniques used for DNA extraction and analysis
• describe how PCR is used to amplify DNA.

In this module, students will explore three main aspects of genetic technology: understanding, creating and modifying genetic material. Students will also develop an appreciation for the practical ways genetic technology improves human lives, such as vaccine development, personalized medicine, stem cell technologies and gene therapy.

This module examines the controversial issue of genetically modified foods and other ways biotechnology has impacted global food production. Students will learn to identify and describe four methods of genetic modification and relate these concepts and techniques to emerging food biotechnologies.

In this module, students will learn to differentiate between biofuels and three types of fossil fuels and how to explain the role of each in global warming. Students will also gain an understanding of the production and use of various types of biofuels and related processes, including bioprospecting and metabolic engineering. These concepts will ultimately help students identify economic and scientific obstacles to the biofuel industry.

This module investigates animal and plant modifications as they relate to food, medicine, research, pest control and even entertainment. Students can apply their understanding of biotechnology and genetic modification to explore how selective breeding is used to create new plant and animal species.

Living sustainably is critical in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change and environmental pollution. This module explores biotechnology’s practical applications regarding natural resources and wildlife.

By the end of the module, students will be able to identify, describe and critically analyze various aspects of biotechnology’s role in the preservation of endangered wildlife and ecosystems, including bioremediation techniques, animal cloning, the collection of eDNA and bioplastic production.