The organization, expression, and control of RNA and protein-coding genes in prokaryotic an eukaryotic cells. The focus of the course is on mechanisms of genetics at the molecular level and the application of modern techniques to laboratory biotechnology projects.

Laboratory course focused on application of microscopy techniques (light, fluorescent, confocal) and the subsequent analysis strategies for investigating biological specimens. Special focus will be directed towards cellular microscopy-based assays, both structural and functional. Image analysis topics will touch on filtering, segmentation, and registration.

This course is a graduate-level investigation of emerging technologies, innovations and new products in the biotechnology industry, taught using case studies and scientific literature. Modern biotechnology focuses mainly on medicine. New treatments for rare and complex diseases as well as genetic testing to identify genetically-inherited diseases are continually being developed and discovered. Technology that makes these and other advances possible is the focus of this course.

Students will identify antibiotic-producing bacterial isolates from environmental samples. They will participate in a self-directed research project that will involve working with faculty to generate hypotheses. Students will also perform one or more antibiotic discovery and/or antibacterial chemical experiments and use advanced lab techniques including the UHPLC to fractionate and analyze chemical extracts. Cannot earn credit if already taken BIOT 897 Special Topic "Antibiotic Discovery".