BIOL 110 — Biotechnology with Lab
This introductory science course provides curious students with a survey of the field of biotechnology. Hands-on laboratory skills are also taught. Biotechnology is a discipline that is becoming more important because of advances in recombinant DNA technology and immunology, but biotechnology is broadly defined as any technology that uses organisms (living things) or their products to improve our quality of life. The roots of biotechnology go back to the use of fermentation to produce foods like bread, wine or sauerkraut, as well as the breeding of animals a nd plants. Modern biotechnology brings together many branches of science, including molecular genetics, microbiology, chemistry, and cell biology, for applications from agriculture to medical treatments to bioremediation of polluted sites. This course will cover fundamentals in all of these fields. Laboratory work, outside speakers, and field trips will supplement lecture presentations. Biotechnology industry and projects carried out in Maine are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): ENGL-080 or ENGL-101 and MATH-040 or appropriate placement Corequisite(s): none