New thrusts in Biotechnology are being provided in the curriculum at the freshman, sophomore and advanced levels. Related laboratory experiences include work in modeling, DNA manipulation, fermentation, and tissue culture using agarose gel electrophoresis and electro-blotting. New equipment supporting these advances include a hood, a freeze dryer and a computer-based data acquisition system. Three tissue culture, three DNA manipulation, a stable isotope plant selection exercise, and two computer modeling lab sessions are being added to existing courses. A new lab oriented-course called Biotechnology also is being developed. Its major components involve recombinant DNA methods, fermentation, bioproduction and bioconversion, eukaryotic tissue culture and differentiation, and simulation modeling. Enhanced educational opportunities in experimental and quantitative Biotechnology are being provided, and a regional need for formal education in Biotechnology is being met.
