Core Standards of the Course
Strand 1
Students will investigate the past, present and future applications of Biotechnology as well as relevant careers.
Standard 1
Describe historical applications of Biotechnology.
Standard 2
Describe applications of present technology and theorize future implications.
Performance Skills
Research and present biotechnology concepts using effective communication skills.
Standard 3
Explore the various science and non-science fields and careers associated with biotechnology.
Strand 2
Students will demonstrate appropriate safety procedures and equipment use in the laboratory.
Standard 1
Demonstrate appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Standard 2
Maintain a sanitary laboratory environment.
Standard 3
Exhibit appropriate behavior to protect coworkers and self.
Performance Skills
Demonstrate appropriate use of personal protective devices.
Standard 4
Use biotechnology laboratory equipment correctly and safely.
Performance Skills
Demonstrate proper use and handling of Micropipettes.
Strand 3
Students will follow laboratory procedures properly.
Standard 1
Follow laboratory protocols.
Standard 2
Comply with policies and requirements for documentation and record keeping.
Performance Skills
Maintain accurate records and documentation according to minimum good documentation practices (GDP).
Standard 3
Demonstrate proper handling of chemicals.
Strand 4
Students will describe the properties of atoms and molecules and prepare lab reagents.
Standard 1
Explain chemical concepts relevant to biotechnology.
Performance Skills
Research and present biotechnology concepts using effective communication skills.
Standard 2
Demonstrate accurate and correct solution preparation.
Performance Skills
Prepare solutions of defined concentrations and pH.
Standard 3
Relate dilution to solution preparation.
Strand 5
Students will describe the structure and function of cells and their components.
Standard 1
Identify key cellular components and correlate with function.
Standard 2
Compare and contrast the Three-domain system.
Strand 6
Students will demonstrate proper bacterial identification and maintenance of cultures.
Standard 1
Prepare bacterial growth media.
Performance Skills
Prepare bacterial growth media.
Standard 2
Inoculate agar and broth media.
Performance Skills
Demonstrate the ability to culture and maintain microorganisms.
Standard 3
Identify common categories of bacteria.
Strand 7
Students will compare and contrast different types of nucleic acids and proteins and illustrate the flow of genetic information within the cell.
Standard 1
Describe the structure of nucleic acids.
Standard 2
Describe how DNA functions as a template for DNA replication.
Performance Skills
Demonstrate the ability to use PCR technology.
Standard 3
Describe the structure and function of proteins.
Standard 4
Outline the process of protein synthesis as related to the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology.
Standard 5
Describe how DNA mutations affect the organism.
Strand 8
Students will explain recombinant DNA techniques in bacteria.
Standard 1
Describe the use of plasmids in bacterial transformation.
Standard 2
Describe the process of plasmid DNA isolation.
Performance Skills
Demonstrate proper aseptic/sterilizing procedures.
Performance Skills
Perform a restriction digest and analyze the results with gel electrophoresis.