Biology and Biotechnology
All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
BB 501. Seminar
1 credit per semester
BB 505. Fermentation Biology
Material in this course focuses on biological (especially microbiological) systems by which materials and energy can be interconverted (e.g., waste products into useful chemicals or fuels). The processes are dealt with at the physiological and the system level, with emphasis on the means by which useful conversions can be harnessed in a biologically intelligent way. The laboratory focuses on measurements of microbial physiology and on bench-scale process design.
BB 509. Scale Up of Bioprocessing
Strategies for optimization of bioprocesses for scale-up applications will be explored. In addition to the theory of scaling up unit operations in bioprocessing, students will scale up a bench- scale bioprocess (5 liters), including fermenta- tion and downstream processing to 55 liters. Specific topics include the effects of scaling up on: mass transfer and bioreactor design, harvesting techniques including tangential flow filtration and centrifugation, and chromatography (open column and HPLC). (Prerequisites: BB 4050/505 and BB 4060/560 as a working knowledge of the bench-scale processes will be assumed. Otherwise, instructor permission is required.)
BB 515. Environmental Change: Problems and Approaches
This seminar course will examine what is known about ecological responses to both natural and human-mediated environmental changes, and explore approaches for solving ecological problems and increasing environmental sustainability. Areas of focus may include, and are not limited to, conservation genetics, ecological responses to global climate change, sustainable use of living natural resources, and the environmental impacts of agricultural biotechnology.
BB 560. Methods of Protein Purification and Downstream Processing
This course provides a detailed hands-on survey of state-of-the-art methods employed by the biotechnology industry for the purification of products, proteins in particular, from fermentation processes. Focus is on methods that offer the best potential for scale-up. Included is the theory of the design, as well as the operation of these methods both at the laboratory scale and scaled up. It is intended for biology, biotechnology, chemical engineering and biochemistry students. (Prerequisite: knowledge of basic biochemistry is assumed.)
BB 565. Virology
This advanced level course uses a seminar format based on research articles to discuss current topics related to the molecular/cell biology of viral structure, function, and evolution. Particular emphasis is placed on pathological mechanisms of various human disorders, especially emerging disease, and the use of viruses in research.
BB 570. Special Topics
Specialty subject courses are offered based on the expertise of the department faculty, example topics include: Stem Cell Biology, Cell Cycle Regulation, and Model Systems in Biology. In addition, courses in Grant Writing and Professional Ethics are also offered. Content and format varies to suit the interest and needs of the students and faculty. This course may be repeated for different topics covered. See the SUPPLEMENT section for descriptions of courses to be offered this academic year.
BB 575. Advanced Genetics and Cellular Biology
Topics in this course focus on the basic building blocks of life: molecules, genes and cells. The course will address areas of the organization, structure, function and analysis of the genome and of cells. (Prerequisite: A familiarity with fundamentals of recombinant DNA and molecular biological techniques as well as cell biology.)
BB 576. Advanced Integrative Bioscience
This course concentrates on the organization of cells into biological systems and into individual organisms. Discussion will center on the development and function of specific model systems such as the nervous and immune systems. (Prerequisite: A familiarity with fundamentals of developmental biology, genetics and cell biology.)
BB 577. Advanced Ecological and Evolutionary Bioscience
This course will explore the organization of individuals into communities, and the evolution of individual traits and behaviors. Problems discussed will range from those of population harvesting and the effect humans have on the environment to the evolution of disadvantageous traits. (Prerequisite: A familiarity with fundamentals of population interactions, evolution, and animal behavior.)
BB 578. Advanced Applied Biology
This course examines the use of biotechnological advances toward solving real-world problems. Students will discuss problem-solving strategies from the current literature in the areas of medicine, agriculture, environmental protection/ restoration and industrial biotechnology. (Prerequisite: A familiarity with biochemistry, microbiology, and plant and animal physiology.)
BB 598. Directed Research
This course examines the use of biotechnological advances toward solving real-world problems. Students will discuss problem-solving strategies from the current literature in the areas of medicine, agriculture, environmental protection/ restoration and industrial biotechnology. (Prerequisite: A familiarity with biochemistry, microbiology, and plant and animal physiology.)
