Vaughn Next Century Learning Center

13330 Vaughn St. San Fernando, CA 91340

818-896-7461

BIOTECHNOLOGY SYLLABUS
Teacher:

Mrs. May P. Penarroyo Room 231

Course Description/Overview
An introduction to biotechnology including career exploration, history and applications of DNA/RNA technology, molecular
biology, bioethics, and laboratory safety practices.

Course Outline:
Semester A
AMGEN Biotech Experience
Case Studies

Semester B
Coastal Marine Biolab Protocol
Case Studies

BIOTECHNOLOGY LABS. Many of the labs in biotechnology are either difficult or impossible to conduct in 50
minute periods. Therefore, we will occasionally extend class for 20-25 minutes beyond the 50 minute period. You
cannot receive full credit for labs if you fail to attend the entire lab session. This will not occur often, but anticipate
extended labs about once per month. Announcements will be made in advance. If you know of conflicts, please
notify me in advance and we will work with individual situations. There are times that we have to meet on a
Saturday to complete a lab activity. Your commitment is highly expected in this course.

Course Materials

Daugherty, Ellyn. Biotechnology: science for the new millennium. St. Paul, MN: Paradigm Publishers, 2012. Print.
Pens and pencils
Notebook
3 ring binder with 5 Dividers and loose leaf notebook paper
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot reading assignment

Course Policies
In all facets of the course we will be working to develop the following 21st century skills:
Professionalism: Students will display a high degree of honor and integrity, citizenship and responsibility. These
qualities may be evidenced by proper dress, work ethic, promptness, attendance, respect and leadership.

Technology Literacy: Students will be able to use digital technology, communication tools, and/or networks
appropriately to solve information problems in order to function in an information society.

Collaborative Skills: Students will be able to work with staff, faculty, community members, and peers. Team members
should discuss and work toward what they hope to accomplish to meet individual and group goals.

Critical and Inventive Thinking: Students will display flexible, creative, and critical thinking in order to produce
innovative works. Thinking must demonstrate resourcefulness, persistence, curiosity, and risk taking.

Content Knowledge and Application: Students will be able to demonstrate proper use of the content as directed by Next
Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to apply the knowledge gained from the class and the projects assigned.

Communication: Students will be able to speak and write with an awareness of audience and purpose.

Grading and Evaluation Methods:

Each grading period will carry the same types of grades:
Classwork/Homework 20%
Tests (quiz, unit test, final exam) 20%

Projects/Laboratory activities & Lab report 60%

Grade Scale
A+ = 97.50-100.00
A = 92.50-97.49
A- = 89.50-91.49
B+ = 87.50-89.49
B = 82.50- 86.49

B- = 79.50-81.49
C+ = 77.50-79.49
C = 72.50-76.49
C- = 69.50-71.49
D+ = 67.50-69.49

D = 61.50-67.49
D- =59.50-61.49
F = 0.00-59.49

Attendance/Late Work:
The materials for this course will be available online. Only excused absences will be accepted as reason for missing a
deadline. A doctors note is needed.
Any assignment that is not turned in by its deadline will be given a zero credit.
Cheating:
Giving or receiving answers and copying (from a student, internet source, or text) are considered cheating. Cheating results in
an automatic 0 on the assignment. In addition, the parent/guardian will be notified and the student(s) will receive a detention.
Course Calendar:

Date

Activity

IntroductiontoBiotechnology
HistoryofBiotechlec
Products&Applicationslec
0307Aug.
Labnotebooksetup
LabequipmentIDactivity
Micropipetteprelab
Lab1.1Micropipettelab
Lab1.1Micropipettepostlab
HW:GelElectrophoresisprelab
1014Aug.
Lab.1.2GelElectrophoresislab
Lab1.2GelElectrophoresispostlab
Howdoyoucloneagene?
UnittestIntroductionGelelectrophoresis
RecombinantDNAlec
ClonethatGeneActivity
1720Aug.
Lab2preparingtoclonetherfpgene:DigestingthepKANRandpARA
prelab
Buildingarecombinantplasmid
Ligaseslec
21Aug
Lab3BuildingthepARARplasmidprelab
24Aug
MakingSureyouveCreatedarecombinantplasmid
Verificationlec
25Aug
Lab4Verificationprelab
2728
GettingRecombinantPlasmidsinbacteria
Transformationlec
Lab5Transformationprelab
Lab2preparingtoclonetherfpgene:DigestingthepKANRandpARA
31Aug04Sep
(wetlab)
Lab2postlab
LaborDay
07Sep
Lab3BuildingthepARARplasmid(wetlab)
811Sep
Lab3postlab
Lab4Verificationwetlab
Lab4postlab
1418Sep
Lab5Transformationwetlab
Lab5postlab
GettingWhatweneed
BacteriaMultiplication&ProteinPurificationlec
2125Sep
Lab6ProteinPurificationprelab
Lab6ProteinPurificationwetlab

28Sep02Oct
0509Oct
CaseStudies
1216Oct
1923Oct
2630Oct
0206Nov
0910Nov
11Nov
1213Nov
1620Nov
2325Nov
2527Nov
30Nov4Dec
0711Dec
Dec.17

Lab6postlab
UnittestLab26
GeneticEngineeringLabposterSummary
FallBreak
FromCowJuicetoBillionDollarDrug
TougherPlants
BringBackBabyJason
Frankenfoods
Foxp2&Speech
VeteransDay
BioDesigns,Inc.Project
ThanksgivingBreak
ProjectPresentation
ImmortalCellsReadingQsdue
Review
FinalExam

Course Procedures:
Labs: We will do labs as much as possible. Students must pass the lab safety test and return their safety contract signed by a
parent or guardian to be able to participate in lab activities. Failure to follow safety procedures (i.e. wearing safety goggles at
all times) will result in a student losing their lab privileges.
Notebook and Binder: All notes (in Cornell format) will be written and kept in a notebook. All other handouts, homework, and
class work can be hole-punched and organized neatly with dividers in a 3 ring binder.
Chapter/Unit Tests: Most Units will take place over the course of 4 weeks (give or take 1 week). Unit Tests will be given at the
end of a unit.
Homework: Students should expect to have homework most nights. Homework is the time for practice. Therefore, THERE IS
NO REASON TO COPY. COPIED WORK will be given a grade of 0.

OfficeHoursPolicy:
Incollege,yourprofessorswilltypicallyholdlimiteddropinofficehoursanditwillbeuptoyoutoarrangetime
tomeet.Therefore,in12thgradePhysiologyitisyourresponsibilitytoemailyourinstructorstosetupan
appointment.Noshowstoanappointmentyouscheduledwillresultin2demerits
I expect you to behave as young adults and professional scientists. The
consequences above result from your CHOICE not to follow the rules. You are in
control of your behavior & education.
Additional Information:
May P. Penarroyo mpenarroyo@myvaughncharter.com
Tel. # 818-896-7461 loc. 7923

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I am excited to be working with your child and I want to provide them with the very best experience. I am
available to speak with you whenever you have any questions via email and phone number:
mpenarroyo@myvaughncharter.com 818 896-7461 ext 7923. I want to keep an open line of
communication throughout the year. I need your help to get the best educational experience for your
child.