Completion of a full year of Biology.
Students in 10th grade must be concurrently enrolled in a full year science course.
This hands-on, lab-based science elective course will provide students with the opportunity to explore various applications of molecular biology. After reviewing the basics of nucleic acid structure and function, students will complete a series of lab experiences that investigate the basic concepts and lab procedures used in a modern-day molecular biology lab. Students will leave this course with a solid understanding of the applications of molecular biology, and a proficiency in molecular biology lab techniques. This course is not recommended for students who have taken or are taking AP Biology, as there may be considerable overlap between the labs performed in these two courses.
Students will:
- Review foundational topics in the field, including: the structure and function of DNA and RNA, transcription and translation, mutation.
- Examine key historical experiments in this field.
- Become proficient with standard biotechnology lab techniques and procedures, including: use of micropipettes and microcentrifuges, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digest, PCR, and DNA barcoding.
Lab activities involved in this course include:
- DNA extraction.
- Restriction enzyme digest.
- Gel electrophoresis.
- Bacterial transformation.
- Polymerase chain reaction.
- DNA barcoding.
The course will include core unit formative/summative assessments. Understanding of concepts will be developed through collaborative lab experiences, projects and tests. The course will conclude with a comprehensive summative lab experience that incorporates most of the techniques and procedures taught in the course.