Dear Parent/ Guardian and Student, Your child is enrolled in an Introduction Biotechnology or Honors Biotechnology class. Attached are the class expectations and syllabus, which describe topics to be studied during the school year. In addition, there is a contract between the students and the teacher indicating the content and grading procedures. I am requesting that every parent/guardian review this document along with the lab safety procedure document with their child. Both the parent/guardian and student shall sign this page and the student will return it too class. By signing below you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the syllabus and the student safety contract and commit to the course expectations. Please contact me at school if you have any questions, (781) 477-7366 or e-mail oconnorj@lynnschools.org. Sincerely, Ms. O Connor Date Student signature Parent/Guardian signature PLEASE RETURN, Page 1 and 2, SIGNED TO THE TEACHER 1 of 6
Lab Safety Agreement In order to vary teaching techniques so that all students can learn we will often perform labs and experiments in the classroom. It is necessary to alert you to possible hazards as well as laboratory safety requirements. All of the chemicals we will use in class are safe if handled properly. We will always use as little of a chemical as possible. Utmost precautions must be taken around open flames as well, such as tying up longer hair. Lab safety rules are for the benefit of the student and others in the classroom. It is vital that there is student cooperation with them. Lab Safety rules are as follows: Teacher instructions must be obeyed immediately and completely. Lab safety glasses will be worn at all times in which chemicals or flames are present in the room. No gum, food or drink is allowed in the classroom. Students will use equipment as instructed; they must remain at their table with their equipment. Students must conduct themselves in a responsible manner at all times in a lab setting, this includes not distracting others from their work, keeping voices low and not wandering around the room. All equipment must be properly cleaned and maintained before putting it away. Students must thoroughly clean up the work area before leaving the classroom. Failure to follow the above rules may result in immediate removal from class without warning; the student may receive a zero on the lab; the student may not be allowed to return until a plan is developed; or the parents may need to be notified. Repeated offenses may result in the student not being allowed to participate in labs. Students will not be allowed to participate in experiments until this agreement has been signed and returned. I have read and understand the above rules and consequences. Student signature Date 2 of 6
DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SYLLABUS LYNN ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL BIOTECHNOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS ************************************************************************ Course Title: Honors Biotechnology Course No.: 417 Teacher: Ms. O Connor Credits: 6 Prerequisite(s): B+ or better in Biology and Chemistry Night Back: Wednesday, Alternate is Tuesday during faculty meetings. ************************************************************************ Course Title: Introduction to Biotechnology Course No.: 415 Teacher: Ms. O Connor Credits: 6 Prerequisite(s): Biology and Chemistry Night Back: Wednesday, alternate is Tuesday due to faculty meetings. ************************************************************************ Course Description: A course for students interested in science related careers. The course offers basic knowledge and hands-on experience of laboratory skills used in biotechnology. Basic skills include solution preparation, ph measurements, spectroscopy, protein analysis, centrifugation, electrophoresis, and microbiology techniques. In addition, students participate in basic biotechnology theory, federal regulations, procedure writing skills, and applications of biotechnology. Research papers and special projects will be assigned on various biotechnology companies products, research, and applications. Course Text: Daugherty, E. (2012). Biotechnology: Science for the New Millennium, (Revised 1 st ed). Minneapolis: Paradigm Publishing. Text, Lab Manual, and CD. 3 of 6
Lecture Topics What is Biotechnology? Raw Materials of Biotechnology Basic Biotechnology Skills Introduction to Studying DNA Introduction to Studying Proteins Identifying a Potential Biotechnology Product Spectrophotometers and Concentration Assays The Production of a Recombinant Biotechnology Product Bringing a Biotechnology Product to Market Introduction to Plant Biotechnology Biotechnology in Agriculture Medical Biotechnologies DNA Technologies Biotechnology Research and Applications: Looking Forward Laboratory Techniques General Laboratory Safety Laboratory Math Review Micro-pipetting Spectroscopy Reagent Preparation Gel Preparation ph Measurement Protein Analysis Microscopy Microbiology techniques Aseptic techniques Electrophoresis PCR techniques Cell transformation Enzyme activity Disinfectant Testing Antibiotic Testing NOTE: Course topics/objectives may change due to scheduling. Required Materials: 3-ring binder, 1, composition book, blue/black pens, pencils Name, subject, and block should be labeled on the front cover. Papers, worksheets, and notes should be kept in your notebook properly labeled with name, date and block. You may divide binder into five sections with labeled dividers or maintain your binder chronologically. o Handouts o Notes o Homework/Classwork o Labs & projects o Tests, quizzes and reports Notebook should be organized and neat. Maintain extra supplies A lab notebook is required (composition book) for laboratory techniques 4 of 6
Course Objectives: At the completion of the course students will be able to: Write Standard Operating Procedures Differentiate protocols and standard operating procedures Define Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Identify metric system for volumes, solids, length Relate biotechnology advances in current events Illustrate biological processes involved with DNA, protein synthesis, and purification Perform ph measurements Describe cell culturing techniques Relate basic immunology to biotechnology field Demonstrate computer skill in researching biotechnology pipelines Define technology involving: monoclonal antibodies, ELISA, Fluorescent Antibody, Complement Fixation, Agglutination Techniques Demonstrate and perform the following laboratory techniques: bacteriological, electrophoresis, fluorescent antibody techniques, disinfectant applications, protein determinations, ph measurements, DNA transformation, DNA separation Topic Sequence * Quarter 1 What is Biotechnology? Raw Materials in Biotechnology, Basic Skills of the Biotechnology Workplace, Introduction to studying DNA, Making DNA molecules Quarter 2 Introduction to Studying Proteins, Spectrophotometers and concentration assays, Production of a recombinant product, Bringing the product to market Quarter 3 Introduction to plant biotechnology and agriculture Quarter 4 PowerPoint presentations, Biotechnology in Medicine, Advanced Biotechnology Techniques * Topic sequence schedule is subject to change upon notice. Policies Student s that seek additional tutoring or require make-up work should see the teacher after school or on the teacher s assigned night back. No gum, food or drink is allowed in the classroom. Students that do not follow safe laboratory practices will not be allowed to participate in laboratory experiments and may jeopardize their standing in the course. Student Responsibilities It is the student s responsibility to retain course syllabus and materials for future reference. It is the student s responsibility to check for missed assignments, tests, quizzes or labs due to absences. Absences may adversely affect student s grade. Missed work is due the following Wednesday of returning from absence. The student is responsible for maintaining a laboratory notebook. 5 of 6
Expectations Be polite, respect to teacher and students. Best effort, each individual should express ideas and opinions freely, perform and complete their work with their best effort. Be on time for class. Be prepared for class with binder, pens/pencils, textbook, and completed assignments. When a student is unprepared, additional time is taken from the class for retrieval of pens, books, or assignments. Students are expected to follow the class rules to maximize student learning. Procedures Homework will be assigned 4-5 nights a week. Homework should be completed and submitted on due date. Late assignments will not receive full credit, unless prior arrangements have been made with a justified explanation. Grading policies are based on quizzes, tests, projects, writing assignments, labs, homework, mid-term, finals, and classroom behavior/participation. Assignment / Assessment College Prep classes Honors classes Homework 2 grades 1 grade Classwork 2 grades 1 grade Notebook 1 grade 1 grade Reading Assignment 1 grade 1 grade Journals 2 grades 2 grades Speaking / Listening 2 grades 2 grades Maps, Charts, Graphs 1 grade 1 grade Labs 2 grades 2 grades Collins / Writing 1-2 grades 1-2 grades Quiz 1 grade 1 grade Test 2 grades 2 grades Quarterly Exam 2 grades 2 grades Midterm Exam 3 grades 4 grades Final Exam 3 grades 4 grades Performance 2 grades 2 grades Research paper* 1-4 grades 1-4 grades Special Projects** 1-4 grades 1-4 grades *Research paper value is determined by the department s discretion. **Special Project value is determined at the teacher s discretion. Quarterly Research Papers will be assigned. Late assignments or lack of classroom participation will be subject to a decrease in points. How points and/or percentages equate to quarterly/final grade. 6 of 6