BTC-Biotechnology
Course Descriptions

BTC 132. Orientation Seminar (1)
One hour of lecture or discussion per week. Occasional tour of laboratories or field trips. Introduction to campus facilities, personnel, lower-division curriculum, and upper-division study options to facilitate transition of students into the program and assist them in making informed decisions on course selection and future career directions. Fall.

BTC 296. Topics in Biotechnology (1-3)
Experimental, interdisciplinary, or special topic coursework in biotechnology for freshmen and sophomore-level undergraduate students. Subject matter and method of presentation varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for additional credit if topic changes. Fall or Spring.

BTC 401. Molecular Biology Techniques (3)
One hour of lecture and six hours of laboratory per week. Important techniques used in molecular biology research are introduced in the context of a semester-long research exercise. Techniques include the extraction and quantification of genomic DNA, agarose gel electro-phoresis, restriction digest, ligation, isolation of plasmid DNA, DNA-DNA hybridization, transformation of E. coli, DNA sequencing and the polymerase chain reaction. Fall.
Prerequisite(s): EFB 307, 308, 325, or equivalents.
Note: Credit will not be granted for both BTC 401 and EFB 601.

BTC 420. Internship in Biotechnology (3-5)
Full- or part-time employment or volunteer work with an agency, institution, clinic, professional group, business, or individual involved in activities consistent with the student's educational
and professional goals. The extent of the internship activities shall be commensurate with the credits undertaken. A resident faculty member must serve as the student's academic sponsor. A study plan outlining the internship's educational goals must be completed prior to its commencement. Grading will be based on a written report from the student and submitted to the sponsoring faculty member and
on an evaluation of the student's performance written by the site supervisor to the sponsoring faculty member. Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisite: Consent of a faculty sponsor.

BTC 425. Plant Biotechnology (3)
Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. The use of transgenic plants to improve the human condition and remediate environmental problems is a rapidly growing field of study. Students are taught the principles of gene structure and regulation, gene cloning, transformation of plant species, and current applications. Format includes lectures, discussions, student presentations, and a laboratory project. Spring.
Note: Credit will not be granted for both BTC 425 and EFB 625.

BTC 426. Plant Tissue Culture Methods (3)
Two hours of lecture and discussion and three hours of laboratory
per week. Introduction to plant tissue culture for biotechnology research and as a propagation method. Emphasis will be on learning laboratory instrumentation and techniques for establishing cell cultures, producing transgenic cell lines, and regenerating whole plants. Fall.
Prerequisites: One course in botany, microbiology, or genetics; or permission of instructor.
Note: Credit will not be granted for BTC 426 and FOR 626/EFB 626.

BTC 496. Topics in Biotechnology (1-3)
Experimental, interdisciplinary, or special topic coursework in biotechnology for undergraduate students. Subject matter and method of presentation varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for additional credit if topic changes. Fall or Spring.

BTC 497. Research Design and Professional Development (1)
One hour of discussion or seminar each week covering the scientific method, professional ethics and responsibilities of the practicing scientist. Employment opportunities, future career choices, safety considerations, and use of the scientific literature are covered. Students will select a research topic and prepare a proposal, which may be applied to BTC 498 or BTC 420. Spring.
Pre- or co-requisite: Biotechnology major or permission of instructor.

BTC 498. Research Problems in Biotechnology (1-3)
An independent research experience covering topics in biotech-nology. Selection of research subject area will be determined by consultation and agreement between the student and appropriate faculty member. Tutorial conferences, discussions, and critiques scheduled as necessary. Final written report required. Fall and Spring or Summer.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

BTC 499. Senior Project Synthesis (1-3)
One hour of discussion or seminar each week with additional credits awarded for independent research on an approved topic. Students will learn to synthesize knowledge from coursework, published research, and their own independent research data to reach logical and valid conclusions. Research results will be compiled and represented in the form of a capstone seminar, term paper, or poster presentation at a research conference. Fall or Spring.
Pre- or co-requisite(s): BTC 420, BTC 498.