This course introduces foundational concepts in plant physiology, cellular biology, and molecular biology. Topics include DNA structure and function, genetics, evolution, the origins of life, cell structure and function, and bioenergetics. The laboratory provides supplemental instruction and hands-on activities that reinforce major lecture topics.
What is biotechnology, and how does it affect daily life? This course introduces the biological principles behind biotechnology and explores how research discoveries are translated into applications in food, agriculture, medicine, industry, and the marketplace. Topics range from brewing and genetic engineering to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and public debates surrounding biotechnology. The course is designed to be accessible to non-science majors and does not require a textbook purchase.
This laboratory course provides graduate students and upper-division undergraduate majors with hands-on training in genomics techniques. Topics include essential bioinformatics, genome and transcriptome analysis, DNA isolation, molecular cloning, DNA sequencing, protein extraction, protein interaction assays, immunoblotting, RNA extraction, and gene-expression analysis.
