Tompkins Cortland Community College
Degree Programs

Biotechnology

Core Courses

BIOT101

Introduction to Biotechnology

A required first semester survey course in the Biotechnology A.S. degree program. It is also appropriate for the non-science major who wants to learn about the biotechnology field and explore career opportunities relevant to his/her major. Guest lecturers from appropriate fields will address issues related to intellectual property rights, bioentrepreneurs, biomanufacturing, and bioethics. In addition, proper laboratory documentation (notebooks), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), quality assurance records (QA), current Good Laboratory Practices (cGLP), and Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulations will be covered. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in ENGL 101. 1 cr. (1 Lec. ) Fall and spring semesters.

BIOL104

General Biology I

The first semester of an introductory level biology sequence designed for students who plan to transfer to an upper level program in science, environmental science, medicine, or a science-related field. Students who are interested in a rigorous study of biology may also enroll. Topics covered include basic chemistry and biochemistry; cell morphology, physiology and energetics; and classical and molecular genetics. Laboratories are strongly quantitative. Substantial outside preparation for the laboratory may be required. BIOL 104 fulfills the SUNY General Education Natural Sciences requirement. Prerequisites: High School Biology and Chemistry with a Regents Exam grade of 80% or higher within the last five years; prior completion or concurrent enrollment in ENGL 101; or instructor permission. A student may not apply credit for both BIOL 101 and BIOL 104 toward their degree. 4 Cr. (3 Lec. , 3 Lab. ) Fall and spring semesters.

BIOL205

General Genetics General Genetics

is intended for student pursuing careers in the biological or health sciences. Fundamental principles in Mendelian genetics, chromosomal function, structure and expression are covered. Current topics including population genetics, mutation and evolution, cancer, and application of molecular genetics in the biomedical sciences are discussed. Computer access is required for computer-simulated activities. Co-requisite: BIOL 206. Prerequisite: BIOL 104 or equivalent and ENGL 101. 3 Cr. (3 Lec. ) Fall and summer semesters.

BIOL206

Molecular Genetic Techniques

This laboratory module provides hands-on experience with modern molecular techniques employed in today's society. Designed specifically for the biotechnology A.S. degree and certificate programs, the course is also intended for students from other programs who want to augment their program of study or individuals who want to retrain for job advancement in the biotechnology field. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or 104 or work-related experience with permission of the instructor and ENGL 101. 1 Cr. (3 Lab. ) Fall and summer semesters.

BIOL216

General Microbiology

This course is intended for students pursuing advanced studies in the biological science and health fields, and for individuals with a serious interest in the microbial world. Fundamental concepts and principles of microbiology, their application to the health sciences, and the relationship between microbes and our lives are covered. Current topics of discussion include infectious disease and immunity, STD's, bioterrorism, and molecular cloning. Substantial outside preparation for laboratories is required. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 and one year of college level introductory biology, BIOL 101/102 or BIOL 104/105. 4 Cr. (3 Lec. , 3 Lab) Spring and summer semesters.

BIOL220

Cell Biology

Cell Biology is intended for students pursuing careers in the biological or health sciences. The fundamental structure and function of the eukaryotic cell, from DNA and proteins to signal transduction and development of cancer is covered. Based on a review of current cell biology literature, students will present topics of discussion related to advances in cell biology as they are applied to medicine (stem cells) and industry (cloning). The course will include computer-simulated activities. Computer access is required. Co-requisite: BIOL 221. Prerequisites: BIOL104 or equivalent and ENGL 101. 3 Cr. (3 Lec. ) Fall semester.

BIOL221

Cell Culture Techniques

This laboratory module, a co-requisite to BIOL 220-Cell Biology in the biotechnology degree program, provides hands-on experience with current cell culture techniques employed in the research or diagnostic lab. The course is applicable to biological, natural, forensic, and agricultural sciences majors. Students who want to augment their current curriculum or employees looking to retrain for job advancement may enroll. Prerequisites: previous laboratory course-BIOL 101/102 or BIOL 104, or related work experience and ENGL 101. 1 Cr. (3 Lab. ) Fall semester.

BIOT295

Biotechnology Seminar

The Biotechnology Seminar is designed as a capstone event for the second year student completing requirements for an A.S. degree or certificate in Biotechnology. The seminar experience provides the opportunity for the student to assimilate the knowledge and understanding gained in the program and to demonstrate his/her mastery of the subject area. Each student will select a topic, research background information, delineate current issues, and present his/her findings and conclusions to the seminar. Prerequisite: ENGL 101, and two 200 level BIOL (201, 205, 206, 211, 216, 220, or 221) courses and permission of the instructor. 2 Cr. (2 Lec. ) Spring semester.

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