Welcome to Biotechnology!

Biotechnology is the study and manipulation of living things or their component molecules, cells, tissues, or organs. It is an expansive field that includes modern techniques that involve DNA. Biotechnology includes the use of advanced technologies such as gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, and cloning. However, you may be surprised to learn that biotechnology also includes many practices that have been in use for thousands of years, such as using microorganisms in fermentation.

This course is concept-based (lecture/discussion) and process-based (skill development). What does this mean? For example, you may be asked to research advances in treating cancer with genetically engineered viruses or the ethics behind human cloning. This is concept-based. You will also be participating in highly technical labs using gel electrophoresis technology and bacterial transformation. This is process-based.  You will soon learn that the field of biotechnology is diverse and extensive.