Basics of Biotechnology

This foundation course is for individuals who do not have prior (formal or informal) training in molecular biology and modern day recombinant DNA technologies. These are typically students with non-biology backgrounds such as IT or computer science professionals, engineers, attorneys, and others who are seeking to acquire a basic but firm understanding of the science of biotechnology that they can apply immediately at work (without needing to acquire a University-level degree).

Coursework is based on the research method where students are trained to read and critique original research articles and supporting materials with the objective of giving them a first-hand experience of the process of scientific inquiry - formulating the hypothesis, experimental design and conduct, and the reporting of findings supported by veriafiable, reproducible experimental data.

Basics of Biotechnology covers the following topics:

    § Module 1: Essentials of Molecular Biology

    § Module 2: Essentials of Genomics

The course covers essential topics such as structure and function of biomolecules (nucleic acid and proteins), fundamental life processes such as DNA replication, transcription, translation, RNA editing, and use of genomics and high-throughput technologies such as microarrays and DNA chips to conduct whole genome studies and finaly, the effect of dysregulation of these processes on health and disease (molecular basis of disease).

 

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