Lake Washington School District

Prerequisite:  Biology

This is a hands-on, lab intensive course. Through this course, students will understand how technology can be used to analyze and modify living things. Students will explore and experience the applications of molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology in research and industry. Emphasis will be placed on applications in the areas of global health, agriculture (GMOs), and conservation biology. Students will gain lab skills that directly translate to job skills in today’s growing biotech and biomed industries. Lab skills learned include micropipetting, DNA finger­printing through gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, protein electrophoresis, chromatography, spectrophotometry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ELISA, and bioinformatics using computer databases. Students will also explore, write about, and discuss the ethical issues related to the rapid advances occurring in biotechnology and its applica­tions in human health, food and agricultural industries.