Courses

BIOL 3301K - Biotechnology

3 Class Hours 3 Laboratory Hours 4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in BIOL 1108/1108L and BIOL 3300/3300L 

This course introduces students to the concepts, methods, and equipment currently associated with the field of biotechnology. Students learn the applications of microbes, plants, and animals in the context of food, medical, environmental, and forensic biotechnology. Students gain practical, hands-on experience with a variety of techniques commonly used in biotechnology.

BIOL 3400: Drugs and Biologics

3 Class Hours 0 Laboratory Hours 3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in BIOL 3300 and CHEM 3361/3361L 

This course examines the discovery and development of new pharmaceuticals and biologics. Students will learn the process of drug discovery and the role of the FDA and regulations in that process. Students will evaluate how drug entities are characterized through non-clinical testing and clinical trials.

BIOL 4465: Immunology

3 Class Hours 0 Laboratory Hours 3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in BIOL 3300 and BIOL 3300L; BIOL 3340 recommended.

This course will explore current concepts of the immune system. Emphasis will be placed on the induction of the immune response, on the mechanism(s) of those responses, and on the mechanism(s) by which the immune system protects against disease. The development and the role of each of the components involved in the immune response as well as immunological applications will be discussed.

BIOL 4475: Virology

3 Class Hours 0 Laboratory Hours 3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in BIOL 3300; BIOL 3340 recommended

This course will explore current concepts associated with the field of virology. The structure and genetic composition of viruses as well as strategies for replication and expression of viral genetic material will be explored. Mechanisms of viral pathogenesis will be presented. In addition, current methods for viral diagnostics, prevention of viral infection and treatment of infected individuals will be presented within the context of viruses of historical significance as well as newly emergent viruses of current medical concern. Novel infectious agents such as satellites, viroids and prions will also be discussed.

BIOL 4412K: Cell and Tissue Culture

2 Class Hours 6 Laboratory Hours 4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in BIOL 3410

This course examines the basics of culturing eukaryotic cells, tissues, and organs in vitro. Students will learn the basic cell culture techniques and how they apply to cell lines and primary organ cultures. The application and potential of stem cells and tissue engineering will also be discussed. In laboratory, students will learn how to propagate adherent and non-adherent cell lines and have an opportunity to create primary cell and organ explants cultures. Students will also apply knowledge of aseptic techniques to plant tissue culture applications.