Core Courses
BIT 207 Biomolecules and Cell
Structure
Introduction to the organization and chemical economy of the
cell; an overview of metabolism. Structure and function of
biomolecules; enzymes; physical and chemical methods for studying
cells.
BIT 248 Laboratory Techniques and
Applications
Hands-on experience with a variety of modern cellular, biochemical
and molecular techniques.
BIT 249 Communication Skills in the
Life Sciences
Instruction in the reading of original research articles in
a single area of interest to both the student and faculty member.
Weekly presentations of two or three papers are required.
BIT 263 Laboratory Analysis of
Biomacromolecules
A course designed to present the fundamentals of the use of modern
analytical techniques for the identification and isolation of
biomacromolecules. Emphasis is placed on protein purification
methods.
BIT 270 Introduction of
Biotechnology
This course discusses the basic mechanisms underlying the
expression of information encoded in the DNA, i.e. transcription,
translation and replication.
BIT 900 Internship in
Biotechnology
Prerequisites: Completion of the core with at least a total
of 21 credit hours with a minimum quality point average of 3.0. The
performance of laboratory procedures utilizing techniques in
biotechnology involved in product development will be practiced at
an authorized internship site. Emphasis will be placed upon
experiential learning of the multidisciplinary nature of
contributing to research and development.
Elective Courses
BIT 208 Molecular Genetics
Prerequisite: 207. Structure and function of DNA; protein
synthesis and the genetic code; mechanisms of genetic transfer;
recombinant DNA; viruses; chromosomes; gene expression and its
regulation.
BIT 209 Introduction to
Bioinformatics
A consideration of the application of information technology to
biological questions, including DNA sequencing, proteomics and
genomics.
BIT 212 Growth Movement and
Regulation
Prerequisite: 207. Structure and function of subcellular
organelles. Transport; the endoplasmic reticulum, protein secretion
and membrane biogenesis; the cytoskeleton; mitochondria,
chloroplasts, and the generation of useful energy.
BIT 253 Laboratory Techniques and
Applications II
Prerequisites: BIO 207. This is a project-based laboratory course
with an emphasis on the acquisition of techniques currently used in
molecular biology as well as the understanding of the molecular
basis of these techniques. An important component is exposure to
the use of Bioinformatics in the interpretation of data
generated during the course.
BIT 201 Instrumental Methods of
Analysis
A lecture and laboratory course on the application of modern
physical and chemical techniques to chemical analysis. Emphasis is
placed on the unifying principles underlying analog and digital
data acquisition and evaluation.
BIT
252 Biostatistics
Prerequisites: Undergraduate chemistry or biology and mathematics.
Statistical methods used in drug evaluation. While principal
emphasis is placed on animal studies, evaluation of techniques
applicable to chemistry and pharmacy are also covered.
BIT 255 Biotechnological Drug Delivery
Systems
Prerequisite: Undergraduate course in biological and
chemical sciences. This course is designed to focus on various
physicochemical, biological and pharmaceutical concepts and
strategies involved in the design and development of invasive
(parenteral) and noninvasive drug delivery systems for
biotechnological drug
molecules such as proteins and peptides. Lecture.
BIT 256 Principles of Experimental
Design
Prerequisite: Undergraduate courses in biological and chemical
sciences. This course is designed to develop competencies necessary
to solve complex biological problems with efficient experiments
using small sample size. Lecture.
BIT 265 Scientific Inquiry: Regulation and
Ethical Challenges
This course considers the nature of the scientific
enterprise and both the legal and ethical restrictions placed on
its methods and products by the government through imposition of
regulation and society at large through moral suasion.
BIT 203 Research Methods in
Pharmacology
Prerequisites: PHS 102, 103 or equivalent. This course intends to
introduce the student to select in vivo and in vitro techniques
used in quantitative evaluation of pharmacological
agents.
BIT 240/ 240L Principles of Electron
Microscopy
Prerequisites: Undergraduate biological and/or biochemical
sciences. Corequisite: BIT 240L. This course is intended to
instruct the student in the basic techniques of electron
microscopy. It also describes the analytical methods used to
identify various biological systems.
Electron Microscopy Laboratory
Corequisite: BIT 240. This course instructs the student in the
preparation of tissue for electron microscopy and the
interpretation and analysis of electron micrographs.
BIT 245 Laboratory Use of
Radiotracers
Prerequisite: Undergraduate biological and chemical
sciences. A course designed to present the fundamentals of the use
of radiotracers in the modern laboratory. Emphasis is placed on
safety, experimental design and the variety of special techniques
in use today in pharmaceutical research.
BIT 250 Cell and Tissue
Culture
Student is acquainted with cell culture technology as well as
biochemical and biophysical characteristics and capabilities of
mammalian cells in culture.
BIT 257 Gene Technology in the
Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences
Prerequisite: Undergraduate biochemistry or the equivalent.
Course presents the basic mechanism underlying the expression of
the information encoded in the DNA: transcription, translation,
replication.
BIT 261 Laboratory in Gene Technology for
the Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Professions
The use of modern databases to mine known information and
synthesize new conclusions from combined resources is used as a
starting point. The class is divided into groups, each working with
a different protein, or a mutant of the target protein.
BIT 264 Principles of Drug Design
Prerequisite: Undergraduate medicinal chemistry or
equivalent. Required course designed to present an overview of the
basic principles involved in medicinal chemistry.
BIT 352 Special Research in
Biotechnology