ANSC3509: Animal Biotechnology

ANSC 3509 is a course for undergraduates seeking a broad understanding of animal biotechnology in a single semester. The course covers the major concepts and principles of modern animal biotechnology. Topics include: genes and genomes, recombinant DNA technology, genetically modified foods and medicines, proteins as products, DNA fingerprinting and forensic analysis, bioremediation, aquatic biotechnology, medical biotechnology, and bioethics as it pertains to biotechnology. The course does not require any prerequisites and is targeted at students from all backgrounds and majors. We will discuss this history of biotechnology through current events. The laboratory component will focus on basic skills required in a molecular lab including aseptic technique, DNA extraction, pipetting, PCR, casting and running gels, data analysis, and guided bioinformatics lessons. The laboratory component will also teach molecular techniques necessary in forensic DNA fingerprinting, and how to gather DNA profiling data of individual animals to study population genetics. The course focuses primarily on the science biotechnology, but has strong components on ethics, policy, and society. For each topic, career paths are discussed, including how to prepare for careers in biotechnology fields.

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