Introduction to Biotechnology
PSU 016, Section 50
Fall 1999
 
Time: Thursday 1:25 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. 
Room: 222 Thomas Building
Instructor: Dr. Kamal Rashid 
202 S. Frear Building 
Phone: 863-5487 or 863-1918 
Email: kxr9@psu.edu 
Office Hours: Thursdays 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. or by scheduled appointment 
This course is designed for students who want to become familiar with the emerging field of biotechnology. It is a general introductory course with no specific prerequisites and provides an overview of the field.

The specific objectives of the course are:

Suggested Book:

Biotechnology Unzipped: Promises and Realities, By: Eric S. Grace, Joseph Henry Press/National Academy Press, 201 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20418, phone: 1 (800) 624-6242.

Syllabus:
 
 
August 26 Historical Background and Progress of Biotechnology 
September 02 Recombinant DNA Technology 
September 09 Hybridoma Technology
September 16 Bioprocess Technology
September 23 Industrial Microbial Fermentation Technology
September 30 Animal Cell Culture Technology
October 07 Biotechnology and Health Care
October 14 Site Visit to the Biotechnology Laboratories
October 21 Human Genome Project & Gene Therapy 
October 28 Biotechnology and Agriculture
November 04 Biotechnology and the Environment
November 11 Co-op Opportunities @ Penn State
Safety Aspects of Biotechnology
November 18 Regulatory Aspects of Biotechnology 
November 25 Thanksgiving Day - No Classes 
December 02 Biotechnology Labor Force: Size and Distribution 
December 09 Public Perception of Biotechnology: Ethical and Moral Issues 
Grading:
Each student will be required to submit a short reaction assay on each lecture given during the semester. These assays should not exceed more than one double spaced page. These assays will contribute 40% of the final grade. The other 60% will be on a report paper on an issue related to the topics covered in the class. More details about the paper will be give to the class after week three.
 
Class participation is a must. Absent from the class for no legitimate reason will affect the final grade.
Make-up exams will be given only under special circumstances and with proper documentations.
 
Grade Distribution:
 
A
 90+ 
B
 75-79
C
 60-64
A-
 85-89
B-
 70-74
D
 50-59
B+
 80-84
C+
 65-69
F
 49 and lower