Biotechnology: The Basics (Offered at BTCI)

Dates

June 14-18, 2010

Schedule:

NOTE: Class is held from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day.  Instructors are B. Bielec, K. Eilert and P. Kritsch unless otherwise noted.

• Introductions and Course Overview: What is Biotech?
• Micropipettor Training
• Gel Electrophoresis Lab (DNA Quantity & Structure)
• Restriction Enyzmes: Background Information
• Restriction Enzyme Digest
• DNA Fingerprinting

• Analyze Lab Results
• DNA Extraction and Design-Your-Own DNA Extraction
• Tour of Promega's BioPharmaceutical Technology Center
• Transformations (Background Information, Sterile Technique, Lab)

• Analyze Lab Results
• Pouring LB Agar Plates & Making Competent Cells
• Preview Presentations
• Miniprep (Background information, Lab, Pick Colonies)
• Mini-Prep Restriction Enzyme Digests (Lab)

• Mini-Prep Restriction Enzyme Digests (Lab continued)
• Bioethics Case Studies (M. Arduengo, Promega)
• Analyze Results (Utilizing Camera System and FOTODYNE Photo Imaging System)
• PCR to Detect GMOs (Background Information and Lab)

• Load & Run PCR Gel
• Teacher Resources
• Lab Practical
• Analyze PCR Results
• How To: Supplies & Storage
• Lesson Plan Presentations
• Course Feedback

Cost and Requirements

Cost: $500

Requirements:

• Registration: Applicants are required to submit a registration form and a short e-mail of interest, clarifying interest in the course content. Admission to the course is on a first-come, first-served basis, and registrations will be accepted until the course is fully enrolled (20). Registration for WIRED funded teachers is due January 22, 2010.
• Confirmation: Registration will be confirmed based on receipt of payment or guarantee of payment.  WIRED funded teachers should contact karin.borgh@btci.org about payment.

REGISTRATION FORM
PAYMENT FORM

Content

This course is designed to introduce middle school and high school teachers to the fundamentals of biotechnology. The course will begin with a review of DNA structure and function. From there we will explore how different tools are used to investigate and analyze DNA. Topics include DNA extraction, micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and bacterial transformation. In addition, there will be opportunities to discuss bioethics, develop your laboratory preparatory skills, and collaborate with other teachers to integrate biotechnology into your curriculum. If your knowledge of biotechnology is limited or you want to brush up on basic biotechnology techniques, this is the course for you!

Graduate Credit Options:

Viterbo University will offer 3 graduate education credits for $270. The payment and registration will be handled the first day of class.

Edgewood College also offers  1-3 graduate education credits. For 1 credit, the cost is $150.00, 2 credits $300, 3 credits $450. The payment and registration will be handled the first day of class.

Instructors

Primary Instructors/Course Coordinators:

• Barbara Bielec, M.S., K-12 Program Coordinator, BTCI
• Kathryn Eilert, M. Ed., Teacher, Middleton High School
• Peter Kritsch, M.S., Teacher, Oregon High School

Instructors:

• Michele Arduengo, Ph.D., Scientific Communications Specialist, Promega Corporation