Course Descriptions

This course covers emerging topics in biotechnology. It is an in-depth study of a selected specialized area of biotechnology and the content varies by semester.

This course is designed as an introduction to the nomenclature used by various medical and dental professionals. The course focuses on learning techniques that will enable students to easily understand medical terminology. Cross-listed with INSC 110.

Biotechnology explores biological processes to produce raw materials, foodstuffs, and medical treatments for use by humans. The industry is key for generating income worldwide and feeds into the pharmaceutical, textile, food and agricultural industries. The course centers on three main goals: 1) to understand the biological processes involved in biotechnology methods; 2) to identify and criticize the benefits and drawbacks of current methods; and 3) to review new emerging technologies that focus on ecological solutions.

Overview of quality and food safety spanning all segments of the food industry. Topics include: meat, dairy, poultry, and confectionary and bakery segments including allied industry involvement. Offered as needed.

This course provides an overview of the diet and nutritional requirements of protein, energy, whole grains, major vitamins and minerals and other food groups that are determinants of health and diseases in human populations. The sources, recommended intake, role of major nutrients, and metabolism are explored, in addition to case studies that address the impact of nutrition on human growth and development of chronic or acute diseases (i.e. cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.).

This course covers selected topics from the primary fields of physics including: Newton’s mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, and modern (atomic) physics with an emphasis on applications to nanobiotechnology.

This course addresses applications of nanobiotechnology for various fields such as medicine, drug-delivery, food and environment. The student explores how various nanostructures can be “functionalized” to perform targeted interactions. The need, application, limitations, and ethical positions for these topics are covered through a multimodal approach of lecture, lab, presentations, group discussions and interactive modules.

This course covers the planning, execution and implementation of experimental design, the first step toward independent research. The problem areas covered center primarily on abstract principles that are difficult to convey in the standard lecture format. Accordingly, this course is laboratory intensive – 6 laboratory hours per week – with visual and hands-on experiments used to reinforce concepts.

The fields of biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology are increasingly dependent on growing and experimenting with cells in culture. At one time animal models predominated but today cell culture is becoming ever important. This course offers a concise, practical guide to the basic essentials of the techniques used in a modern cell culture laboratory.

This course gives an in-depth, hands-on experience to fundamental laboratory techniques applied to bio-molecular research to the student in life sciencees. The Biotech (life science in general) industry heavily depends on ability for use of these techniques for extraction, purification, and characterization of biomolecules (proteins, a variety of types) using several bioanalytical techniques. This course allows the student to get a “life-at-the-beach” experience in application of these techniques. This course covers topics related to successful design of protocols for extraction, purification, characterization, and analysis of structure-function relationship of biomolecules for application in diagnostics, therapeutics, and several industrial applications. It also offers experience in using instrumentation generically used in medical, pharmaceutical, envirnmental, and other BTEC industries with an ntroduction to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

The field of biotechnology is evolving quickly with innovative technologies. The course covers the concept of biomarkers, its application in diagnostics and therapeutics. Topics such as pharmacogenomics, gene therapy, medical imaging, regenerative medicine, prosthetics, and point of care devices are at the interface of emerging medical technologies and applied biotechnology. This course serves to introduce the student to these emerging trends and technologies in the field of medical biotechnology. Offered Spring Semester, annually, or as needed.

The first project in the student’s experiential program challenges the student to identify, investigate and analyze a particular topic in the program of study or a concentration. A key objective is to apply skills, methods, and knowledge obtained in prior courses with independent thinking and research; the final product represents the successful and purposeful application of knowledge. The project is undertaken with the close mentorship of a faculty member, and may involve a community partner. Projects can involve scientific-based research or laboratory experiences, needs analysis or development plans for external organizations, or market studies and business plan proposals.

This course studies how specific small molecules can impact and affect body behavior and responses. Small molecules or drugs made by man or from nature can modulate special gates and enzymes. These concepts are the first step into the world of pharmacology. The understanding of this course depends heavily on knowing what is considered normal for the body. Consequently, human physiological systems are featured as an integral part of this course.

New drug discovery is a long process with soaring costs as the level of scientific complexity increases through research. This course is structured to follow the discovery process and is reliant on outside specialists and speakers.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the hands-on techniques and opportunities in the field of biotechnology for the forensic field. The course will cover topics including introduction to biotechnology, DNA applications in forensic investigation, spectroscopic techniques, molecular biotechnology, and DNA fingerprinting, etc. The course will cover various techniques used in biotechnology (very significant for forensics) such as PCR, DNA immobilization, and DNA diagnostics. There will be field visits, case studies, and group discussions about the latest events in the field of forensic biotechnology.

This course develops the skills, competencies, and fundamentals of research procedures in biotechnology. The student is exposed to a variety of relevant biotechnology techniques in the laboratory at research or commercial centers.

This laboratory-intensive course examines the various applications in the field of biotechnology at a molecular level, which aids the understanding of cellular mechanisms. The power, limitation, proper use and theoretical framework around biotechnology applications are explored. Biotechnology-related workforce growth, and the area corporations involved in this field, provide case study illustrations.

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular biology and genetic basis of both age-related and injury-induced neurological diseases. Biotechnological research on the molecular mechanisms of neurological pathologies, focusing on unique as well as common mechanisms of age- and injury-related conditions, can lead to emerging diagnostic methods and result in more effective treatments, therapeutic assessments, and strategies for prevention.

This course reviews advances and applications in the field of food biotechnology. Class activities include primary article reviews, internet research, critiquing of research articles and presentations on topics from food biotechnology such as safety and quality issues with the food industry and applications of food technology in the food safety and quality protocols.

This course reviews newsworthy advances and application in the field of biotechnology. Class activities include primary article reviews, internet research, critiquing of research articles and presentations on topics from general biotechnology, such as the ethics of biotechnology.

This course reviews newsworthy advances and applications in the field of nanobiotechnology. Class activities include primary article reviews, internet research, critiquing of research articles and presentations on topics from nanobiotechnology and its application.

An internship allows the student to put theory into practice. The student applies classroom experiences to the workplace at an off-site placement, where ideas are tested and competencies and skills are developed. Throughout the internship, the student works regularly with a faculty supervisor, the Office of Experiential Programs, and a site supervisor who guide the learning process. The student integrates the collective observations, analyses, and reflections of this experiential team into an internship portfolio that showcases the accomplishments of the experience. The unique portfolio is constructed throughout the internship, and represents the evolutionary and dynamic nature of the learning process.

This course explores the impact of plant and animal biotechnology on food nutrition and provides an understanding of the techniques and methods in genetically-modified food products. The advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified foods are explored, in addition to cultivation, production, processing, and manufacturing issues that are related to genetically modified foods. A broad knowledge of the current laws governing use of genetically modified foods, the ethical discussions surrounding production of these foods, and the global impact of those laws will be studied.

This course explores the fundamental principles of food science including the nature of foods, causes of deterioration, and related advances in technology used in food processing, production, and preservation. The student will become familiar with the types of micro-organisms that are utilized in the food industry, in addition to the control and prevention of food-borne illnesses through biotechnology and quality-control case studies.

This course covers emerging topics in biotechnology. It is an in-depth study of a selected specialized area of biotechnology and the content varies by semester.

This course is designed for the student who demonstrates an interest in an area of study not offered or who wishes to pursue a discipline in greater depth than possible through existing courses. A directed study counts as an elective and may not be used for accelerated or remedial credit. A learning contract between the student and instructor defines the responsibilities of the parties and specifies the learning objectives and standards for successful completion of the project. A calendar of meeting times and deadlines shall be a part of that contract.

The course covers aspects such as: what is a biosensor, the types of biosensors, and how to develop a specific assay for a specific detection system. Also covered are the major techniques used in developing and functionalizing nanoparticles for specific biosensor assays. Applications of biosensor technology in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, bioremediation and quality control in food industry are reviewed.

The course provides insight into the most recent developments of food-borne pathogens, toxins, and contaminents that may occur in a food production plant environment. The course is delivered in classroom and laboratory environments and includes a mixture of theory, demonstrations, and practical sessions on the fundamentals of food microbiology and food safety. Offered as needed.

This course covers how specific small molecules affect body behavior and response. Various areas of pharmacology are explored, with a special focus on the central nervous system. The drugs covered modulate and alter signals that are in turn interpreted by special gates and enzymes, but pathways and control are typically more complex. These concepts mirror those of other disciplines, in particular biochemistry and molecular genetics, and require critical and procedural thought. A primary component of this course is an understanding of what is considered normal for the body. Accordingly, human physiological systems are studied as an integral part of this course.

This course explores the fundamental principles of food quality assurance and quality control based on the principles of Safe Quality Foods (SQF) and Hazard Critical Control Point (HACCP) planning. The student becomes familiar with the seven HACCP principles for controlling food safety within the food processing, production, and manufacturing environments. In addition, the student is shown basic and advanced principles for safely managing quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) within the food industry.

Conducting drug research in a directed and specific manner previously relied on how many small molecules could be tested per unit time. Over recent years, more and more drug design is coordinated with available literature and modern databases containing overwhelming amounts of information. To identify new potential drug molecules, automation has become essential to narrow the field before embarking on a biological screening process.

This project must be in the student’s program of study or concentration(s). It should demonstrate application of the skills, methods, and knowledge of the discipline to solve a problem or answer a question representative of the type to be encountered in the student’s profession. As with Project I, this is undertaken with the close mentorship of a faculty member, and may involve a community partner. The ideal project has a clear purpose that builds directly upon the learning that occurs within the student’s first project and internship.

There is a constant need for new biomaterials in life sciences to support novel technologies. This course is designed to introduce the student to the various classes of biomaterials currently in use and their application in selected subspecialties of medicine/industrial processes. The student will learn about the concepts behind developing materials for use in medical or industrial biotechnology field. The student will gain an understanding of material properties, various biological responses to materials, and the clinical context of their use. Aspects of manufacturing processes, cost, sterilization, packaging, and regulatory issues will be addressed.

Studies on cataloging and characterization of genome and proteome are on the forefront of research. Recently, there has been a considerable amount of work happening with genome and proteome data for selective manipulation of metabolic pathways, the metabolomics. All three fields are aggressively used in several areas for innovation in diagnostics, biomanufacturing, biomarker studies, and drug discovery to name a few. This course covers the basics of these three “omics” fields from the standpoint of using the information for developing new biotechnologies, especially in personalized medicine. The significance of next generation sequencing will be covered.

Description:This course introduces the student to fundamental topics in innovation, regulatory practices and ethics for various biotechnology industries and communities. The intention is to allow the student to learn about these diverse but inter-related areas that coalesce science and business disciplines. With the help of industry experts, case studies, and current literature, the student explores the interrelationship of these areas for creating productive collaborations within biotechnology industry with respect to compliance, innovation, and ethical decision-making.

This course introduces statistical concepts and analytical methods as applied to data encountered in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. It emphasizes the basic concepts of experimental design, quantitative analysis of data, and statistical inferences. Topics include probability theory and distributions, population parameters and their sample estimates, descriptive statistics for central tendency and dispersion, hypothesis testing and confidence intervals for means, variances, and proportions, the chi-square statistic, categorical data analysis, linear correlation and regression model, and analysis of variance. The course provides the student a foundation to evaluate information critically to support research objectives and product claims and to gain better understanding of statistical design of experimental trials for biological products/devices.

Instrumentation and application of various equipment is central to research and commercial production in the biotechnology industry. This course will familiarize the student with which instruments are used for which biotechnology applications and their principles of operation and limitations. Different biomolecules require different and customized protocols for isolation, purification, and characterization. The course offers an overview of instruments such sonicator, ultracentrifuges, spectrophotometers, etc. The course also covers the significance of instrument validation and calibration.

Description:This course allows the student to design an experiment and learn methodology for data analysis. Components such as major characteristics of a scientific experiment, running statistical analyses to perform various tests to check validity of the data would be covered. In a case-based manner, the student works on design of an experimental protocol for an assigned conceptual research project. Trouble-shooting strategies and analyzing data sets would be covered.

This course introduces the student to the planning and preparatory phase skills required to develop potential new drugs and biologics efficiently. The student gains a thorough appreciation of FDA regulations and guidelines. It is known that in the drug discovery sector, it is important to plan before the proceeding to the development phase. With emphasis on the process, the course focuses on the final analysis and report before developing the protocols. Other important aspects of drug development covered in the course are preclinical investigations; new drug application (NDA) or biologic license application (BLA) format and content; clinical development plans; product and assay development; the Investigational New Drug (IND) process; and trial design, implementation, and management. Lastly, the course provides an overview of trending concepts such as controlled and targeted drug delivery.

Regulatory affairs (RA) are set of rules and regulations that oversee and govern product development as well as post-approval marketing in the life sciences. For US companies, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes and oversees the applicable regulations under several statutes, partnership with legislators, patients, and customers. The commercializable products for Biotechnology sector can be food, drugs, biologics, or medical devices. Each type is regulated by a different center within the FDA. This course provides an overview of RA, and its effect on product development. The course will cover RA history, various regulatory agencies, methods to access regulatory information, procedures for drug submissions, biologics submissions, and medical device submissions. It will also address Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and FDA inspections and so on. The course will include guest lectures, actual case studies and real world scenarios. As a course project, students will create a conceptual submission document for a hypothetical drug/biologic/medical device approval.

This course familiarizes the student with basic principles of biosensors design and applications. Biomedical devices such as Biosensors are one of the most innovative, complex, and fastest growing area of biotechnology today; the interface between biotechnology, nanotechnology and micro-electronics industries. The course covers a variety of biosensors based on whole cells, nucleic acids, proteins, antibodies and enzymes as well as new and emerging technologies related to designing, fabricating, and applying multi-array biochips and micro-fluidic systems (lab-on-the-chip). Practical applications of this technology in health care, environment, medical diagnostics, defense and other areas are explored.

Bioprocessing deals with the isolation, purification, and characterization of industrial bio-products. This course prepares the student with skills needed in bioprocessing procedures used in industry. Fundamental scientific principles underlying the recovery, purification and formulation of biomolecules, especially proteins, or other industrial bio-products are covered. Identification or delineation of key chemical and physical properties of biomolecules that impact downstream processing and formulation development are emphasized. Introduction to analytical and small-scale purification procedures exposes the student to key scientific principles and small-scale unit operations.

This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of molecular diagnostics and explores the use of molecular techniques in the diagnosis of disease/infection/contaminants. Diagnostics has impacted several fields such as human health, environment, and food and agriculture. Development of novel diagnostics technologies have depended on discovery of biomarkers for multiple applications in fields such as drug discovery, drug delivery, and diagnostics in general. Topics covered in this course include: biomarkers, protein and nucleic acid structure-function, identification and amplification techniques used in infectious disease diagnosis, components of a molecular diagnostics, companion diagnostics, and evaluation of controls to validate results obtained. This course allows innovative use of current literature and technology with an entrepreneurship element. The student has an opportunity to use course material and available technology to design a conceptual assay/device for a chosen target and integrate it into a conceptual course project assignment.

This course is offered to expose the student to a basic introduction to principles of accounting and finance for the life science industry. Accounting and finance take different shades when one compares revenues for giants like Target with that for a pharma company. The student studies life science companies and their accounting procedures. Impact of significant adjustments and estimates on revenue counting, health insurance, managed care, and governmental contracts is covered. Also covered are accounting practices related to multi-round private financing and IPO timing for start-ups. The student is taught the basics of money management, the language and vocabulary of finance, how to communicate scientific concepts to potential investors, and how to generate fiscal plans/milestones. Course activities enable the student to create and analyze financial documents such as a term sheet, a contract and a balance sheet. The student is also presented the concepts of financial risk and the time value of money. This course will use real company scenarios and case studies from life sciences companies.

The genetic basis of variability in drug response can contribute to drug efficacy and toxicity, adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions. Healthcare professionals need an understanding of the genetic component of patient variability to deliver effective individualized pharmaceutical care. This course offers an introduction to the evolution of pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics, the human genome and modern applications of DNA information related to diagnostics, drugs and therapeutics. Emphasis is placed on concepts and methodologies for using an individual’s genetic make-up to determine that individual’s predisposition towards diseases and ability to respond to drugs. Understanding of the basics of pharmacogenomics enables the student to better understand and manage the new genomics based tools and make best treatment choices.

Cancer has a huge impact on our society and is one of the major factors driving biomedical research related to various areas such as imaging, diagnosis, and therapy. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular biology and genetic basis of cancer. Biotechnological research on the molecular mechanisms of cancer has resulted in more effective treatments, sensitive diagnostic procedures, and strategies for prevention. The course will cover topics such as mutations leading to deregulation of programmed cell death, their impact on cell proliferation, as well as cell differentiation. Additionally the course will review cancer and medical intervention. It will allow the student to study traditional treatment methods as well as new treatment protocols for cancer therapies. The challenges for early diagnostics will also be covered.

Patients, healthcare providers and biotech industry professionals all have an interest in the best possible medical care, but healthcare services and products come at a cost. This course explores economics of topics that impact the cost of healthcare as we know it today, and how the healthcare technologies of the future will be funded. Additional questions, such as who pays and who gets access when healthcare is in limited supply, are discussed. Among the factors explored are market dynamics, public policy, technology, reimbursements and workforce and patient choices. Case studies, course papers, and group discussions are used to offer the course content in an engaging and interactive mode. This course requires no previous study of finance or economics.

Clinical pharmacology deals with drug development and drug utilization in therapeutics. This course covers the advancements regarding drug action and efficacy. Concepts of pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism and transport, pharmacogenetics, assessment of drug effects, and drug therapy in special populations are explored. Expert knowledge is shared about drug development and content specialization needed to stay competitive and build opportunity for career options.

Description:Tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine (RM) are geared towards developing biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve damaged tissue and organ functionality. While tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have hinted at much promise in the last several decades, significant research is still required to provide exciting alternative materials to finally solve the numerous problems associated with traditional implants. This course covers relevant biological, engineering, clinical, legal, regulatory and ethical principles and perspectives to understand the basics of RM. This course also introduces the student to the current state of the RM field, global market trends and opportunities and challenges in process development, manufacturing, and commercialization.

Fermentation technology focusses on use of recombinant microorganisms for several industrial processes, i.e. biomanufacturing. This course requires the student to conceptually design a process for biomanufacturing a target product. This includes the basics of strain selection, development, and process optimization. Application of strain morphology, physiology and DNA sequence- based methods are analyzed for industrial processes. The student studies microbial metabolism and its significance to the manufacturing process. Fundamentals of microbial growth, growth stoichiometry, types of growth media (defined, semi-defined, complex) and media optimization are covered. The course provides an overview of fermenter design concepts and operational principles for a fermentation process using bioreactors.

Description:There is significant commercial activity in the biomanufacturing sector. Key products include vaccines, antibiotics, or various industrial enzymes. The basics of recombinant DNA (rDNA) principles in modification, selection, and application of recombinant microbial strains for industrial enzyme and protein production are studied. Theoretical foundations of microbial production and detection of recombinant protein products such as enzymes, hormones, and antibiotics are covered. The course provides an overview of basic methodologies involved in genetic manipulation of microbes to produce recombinant peptides and proteins. This would focus on use of plasmids, role of promoters and its use in control of gene expression with the end goal of generating enzymes and whole cells for industrial catalytic processes.

Description:This course provides the student an overview of key legal concepts and policies that govern research, development and commercial activities within the biotech industry. The course is structured from a company’s perspective and introduces the student to topics and strategies critical to management while considering new topics and products. Selected cases, videos of speeches, and assigned readings illustrate how the laws that provide protection of society and promotion of social goals operate. Procedures that allow navigating the middle ground while dealing with competition in the biotech and pharma industry would be covered as well. This course requires no previous legal study.

This course prepares the student for the research and development sector. The student develops creative problem-solving abilities and other skills necessary for innovative approaches in managing research and development units. The resolution of conflicts between Research and Development, manufacturing, and marketing in a high technology firm are studied. The student explores various coping strategies, ways to maintaining entrepreneurial spirit and encourage innovation as the company develops into a formal administrative organization, identify R &D issues and strategies to resolve them. Mass production techniques such as Just-In-Time, On-Job Training and Total Quality Management to the real world of high technology Research & Development (R&D) are studied. As a team project for the course, the student identifies and develops solutions to practical problems or market needs for a hypothetical scenario.

This graduate internship course provides the student an opportunity to serve as a graduate intern to learn the skills of a certain job in real world situation. It is the student’s responsibility to identify an industry or an organization from the field of interest and work on a mutually relevant topic under direct supervision of an employee from that company.

This course allows the student to pursue an area of interest that is within the broad scope of Biotechnology. A faculty member will supervise this study.

Human Behavior is the result of complex interactions between physiological and psychological processes. This is an accelerated course designed to give the student a firm understanding of these processes, as well as insight into how this knowledge can be used to garner unique insights which can be leveraged to influence behavior. Foundational topics such as perception, learning and memory, emotion, and cognitive biases and attempt to exploit them via nudging are covered through lectures, discussion or current applied research, and a team project developing an applied behavioral research plan.

The easiest way to find out about people is to ask them questions. As a result, a large amount of the data used to generate insights comes from simple survey questions. This course is designed to teach the student how to develop efficient questions and to deploy surveys in person, telephonically, or online (mobile). Statistical methods for determining question and construct reliability are covered. Course material is presented via lectures, texts (textbook and supplementary readings), and several projects.

Innovative ideas often come from spontaneous conversation and interactions. Focus groups (panels) and observational research methods facilitate the discovery of these unique consumer insights. This course provides an overview of the proper use of focus groups, panels, and observational designs in consumer research. Central topics include question design, planning, implementation, moderation/observation techniques, virtual panels, data processing, and qualitative and quantitative analysis strategies. Course materials are presented via lectures, guest lectures, and as well as individual and team projects.

To generate actionable insights and implement them effectively we need to know how consumers are distributed across the population, what segments will want a product or service, and how we can sample from relevant segments so that our data is representative of relevant populations. This is an advanced course designed to provide an overview of these topics from an applied analytic perspective. The first half of the course focuses on sampling methods for data collection such as: Stratification, cluster sampling, systematics selection, multistage sampling, and probability proportional to size sampling. The second half of the course focuses on analytic methods for the four main types of market segmentation: Demographic, behavioral, psychographic, and geographic. Material is presented via lectures, discussions, immersive labs, and an applied team project.

Bespoke marketing tools and methods of approach underly much of today’s marketing research. This course is separated into three sections related to appealing to your customer base: The first covers conjoint analysis tools used to determine the value of product/services features as viewed by the customer and to assess (attractive) market prices. The second provides an overview of market mix modeling allowing for an efficient marketing plan to be deployed. The final section covers customer relationship management (CRM). An overview of what CRM is, what CRM has and has not yet delivered, popular CRM technologies, and how analytic techniques can be employed to determine customer equity, customer lifetime value, and predict customer loyalty and churn is provided. Material is presented via lectures (guest lectures), discussions of current research and theory, case studies, labs, and applied projects.